"I was expecting for somebody to pass me - I was really tired" - Erlend Blikra celebrates victory in front of home crowds
CyclingSaturday, 15 August 2026 at 03:00
The second stage of the 2026 Arctic Race of Norway finally witnessed a home winner. The sprint in Andenes was won by Erlend Blikra who scores his second win of the season. In addition, the Uno-X Mobility moves to second overall, four seconds behind first stage winner Giovanni Lonardi.
Even though Blikra is not a rare winner, this has been his first time winning a professional race in Norway. And first UCI win at all since he defeated future world champion Tobias Foss for Norwegian junior time trial title back in 2014.
"It's my first time winning a pro race in Norway, so it feels amazing," Blikra said afterwards.
The battle for positions in final kilometers was ruthless but fortunately for Blikra, his team did a splendid job setting up their ace for final straight. "The sprint was really long, and I was just waiting for somebody to pass me, because I was really tired in the last 100 meters or so," he admits.
Read also
"I was really motivated for today. Yesterday I had some confidence with my fourth place, and I knew I was one of the fastest guys, but I really wanted to improve on that. I think racing on home soil just gives me extra motivation," Blikra said.
The following stages will no longer suit fast men. With two back-to-back uphill finishes, GC is expected to be decided among explosive climbers. Uno-X Mobility will likely pin their hopes onto Martin Tjøtta or Johannes Kulset for such parcours, although they're not the main favourites.
Arctic Race of Norway 2026 stage 2 results:
| Position | Rider | Team | Time |
| 01 | Blikra Erlend | Uno-X Mobility | 03:56:49 |
| 02 | Vernon Ethan | NSN Cycling Team | + 00 |
| 03 | Lonardi Giovanni | Team Polti VisitMalta | + 00 |
| 04 | Pickrell Riley | Modern Adventure Pro Cycling | + 00 |
| 05 | Foldager Anders | Team Jayco-AlUla | + 00 |
| 06 | Tesson Jason | Team TotalEnergies | + 00 |
| 07 | Manzin Lorrenzo | Team TotalEnergies | + 00 |
| 08 | Arvanitou Nikiforos | XDS Astana Team | + 00 |
| 09 | Augé Ronan | Unibet Rose Rockets | + 00 |
| 10 | McDonald Brody | Modern Adventure Pro Cycling | + 00 |
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- After they double-shafted him on the Vuelta he lost to Kuss, im not sure he had a reason to stay there. VIngegaard jumped him in the hierarchy, when he shouldn’t have even been there, and then both of them had to deal with the uproar of taking something away from the loyal domestique. He had no reason to stay, and Visma royally screwed up by having him leave. They haven’t been the same team since.RidesHills15-08-2026
- This is so profoundly sad. My thoughts cannot stray from Mike, Dawn and Josh, they’re all I can think about. The pain I feel for Fin’s family is tremendous. A beautiful, beautiful cycling family, with 2 incredible, amazing parents have just lost their 19 year old son. I cannot wrap my head around it, I just feel so much pain for them. My deepest condolences go to them.anonymouscyclist15-08-2026
- If he comes second to Pog, you could say he won.Santiago15-08-2026
- This is so tremendously sad, I don't know what to say. My deepest, deepest condolences and thoughts to Mike, Dawn, Josh, and friends and family. My heart breaks for them. I am so, so sorry.anonymouscyclist15-08-2026
- really sad for him and his family. and if this is how it went down: Earlier reports in Portugal stated that Tarling had been struck by a vehicle outside the race convoy travelling in the opposite direction. that is horrific. what are these race organizers doing??? random cars on the road going the wrong way?!?!?mij14-08-2026
- from another post on here: Earlier reports in Portugal stated that Tarling had been struck by a vehicle outside the race convoy travelling in the opposite direction.mij14-08-2026
- Super stoked for Fabio. Not sure if he can return, but the move to Picnic or whatever they call themselves should not be judged against him. That team is a dumpster fire.mij14-08-2026
- Such a sad sad calamity. Condolences to his family, friends and especially Joshua Tarling. Until we know more about how it happened we cannot assume anything. I'd like to find out what exactly happened and whether it could have been easily prevented.
Rafionain-Glas14-08-2026 - Primož is my compatriot and I wish him all the best, but I'm afraid his time is over. I know he's not that young anymore, but I'm surprised how rapid his downfall was. Two years ago he won the Vuelta, now he can hardly win any race. It's so sad to watch. Maybe Pogi will gift him a race or two (like he gifted Remco) to boost his morale. But Pogi has to make it look like he didn't gift him, like: "OMG Primož, you won...I couldn't beat you... congrats!!!"PogiSloFans14-08-2026
- My deepest condolences to Finlay Tarling's family. There are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing someone we love. May his brother Joshua and family find strength and comfort during this difficult time.PogiSloFans14-08-2026
Loading
Write a comment