Norway set to lose one of its most iconic races due to lack of finances

There will be no 15th edition of the Tour of Norway in 2026. The Norway's biggest stage race had been running on yearly basis since 2011 (with exception caused by COVID in 2020) with iconic winners including national heroes Edvald Boasson Hagen, Alexander Kristoff, but also the likes of Remco Evenepoel. And the latest overall winner Matthew Brennan is on the trajectory to become the champion of tomorrow.

But no famous name will be racing on the Stavanger roads in the traditional final stage of the race. The decision follows governments withdrawal from financial contribution to the event, an official announcement reads.

"For 10 years, the private and public sector, as well as volunteer cycling clubs worked together to make an international race possible - one that has put Norway on the map. It has also been a fantastic arena for developing new talent. Several of Norway's leading riders have showcased their abilities and grown through Tour of Norway," says Roy Hegreberg, Managing Director of Tour of Norway.

Without governement, there was no longer a sustainable way to run the race. The board of Fjords Cycling, the organization behind Tour of Norway, has therefore decided to halt all planning. Fjords Cycling is 100% owned by volunteer cycling clubs and does not have the capital or financial capacity to sustain the event on its own.

"I respect that the parliamentary majority sets its priorities, but I wish there had been communication in advance. This was a big surprise, and there has been little willingness to engage in dialogue with us," Hegreberg says.

"To our 150-200 volunteers, and everyone who contributes to Tour of Norway year after year: thank you. The race exists because of you, and we are truly sorry that we cannot welcome you back in 2026.

"To the teams that continue to show interest and return every year: we are deeply grateful. We hope to see you again if we succeed in bring- ing the race back in 2027.

"To all contributors from both the private and public sectors who have supported us, and who were preparing to support the 2026 edition: we hope and believe you will stand with us as we work to build a foundation for 2027.

"We will do everything we can to ensure that this is only a temporary setback not the end of Tour of Norway," the announcement concludes with hopes of the event's revival in the future.

The Norwegian cycling can mourn this large loss which comes at the background of long-term struggles to build a competitive racing calendar in the Scandinavian country. In 2023, we have already seen the only two 1.2 races in Norway, Lillehammer GP & Gylne Gutuer disappear from the (UCI) calendar. These were run by multiple partners headlined by Uno-X.

Not all hope is lost for 2026 as the Arctic Race of Norway organized by Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO) seems to have been green light to continue for years to come as a standalone ray of hope for the Norwegian cycling.