What Is 2015 Arctic Race of Norway

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Arctic Race of Norway was a four-stage professional cycling race held from August 13 to 16, 2015, won by French rider Thomas Voeckler of Team Europcar. The race covered approximately 637 kilometers across northern Norway, showcasing dramatic fjord and mountain routes.

Key Facts

The 2015 Arctic Race of Norway took place from August 13 to 16, 2015
It consisted of 4 stages covering a total distance of 637 kilometers
Thomas Voeckler (France) won the general classification riding for Team Europcar
The race started in Mo i Rana and finished in Hadsel, Norway
Stage 3 was the longest at 212 kilometers, featuring challenging climbs

Overview

The 2015 Arctic Race of Norway was the third edition of this UCI Europe Tour event, classified as 2.1, attracting top-tier professional cycling teams from around the world. Held in the dramatic northern landscapes of Norway, the race combined high-altitude climbs, fjord-side roads, and unpredictable weather, testing riders' endurance and strategy.

Staged from August 13 to 16, 2015, the race spanned 637 kilometers across four stages, starting in Mo i Rana and concluding in Hadsel. The event was designed to promote Norway’s Arctic region while providing a competitive platform for riders aiming to qualify for Grand Tours or build seasonal momentum.

Stage 1 began in Mo i Rana and covered 184 kilometers, ending in Fauske, featuring a sprint finish won by Alexander Kristoff.
Stage 2 stretched 186 kilometers from Fauske to Bodø, with a breakaway group deciding the stage, won by Radoslav Konstantinov.
Stage 3, the longest at 212 kilometers, ran from Sørfold to Narvik and included steep climbs, contributing to Thomas Voeckler’s overall lead.
Stage 4 concluded with a 155-kilometer route from Vesterålen to Hadsel, where Voeckler secured his general classification victory.
The race awarded the yellow jersey to the overall leader, with additional classifications for points, mountains, and young riders.

How It Works

The Arctic Race of Norway follows standard UCI 2.1 regulations, with teams of up to eight riders competing across multiple stages to achieve the lowest cumulative time.

General Classification (GC): Awarded to the rider with the lowest total time across all stages, wearing the yellow jersey. Thomas Voeckler won this in 2015.
Points Classification: Given to the most consistent finisher in sprints and intermediate finishes; Alexander Kristoff led this category after Stage 1.
Mountains Classification: Awarded for accumulating points on designated climbs; Stage 3’s ascent near Narvik was crucial for climbers.
Team Classification: Based on the combined times of the top three riders per team after each stage, favoring strong squad coordination.
Time Bonuses: Riders earned 10, 6, and 4 seconds for top three stage finishes, influencing GC standings, especially in close races.
Stage Wins: Individual stage victories awarded prestige and points but did not guarantee overall victory, as seen with Konstantinov’s Stage 2 win without GC contention.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2015 Arctic Race of Norway with the previous two editions in terms of route, winner, and key metrics.

Year	Winner	Total Distance	Number of Stages	Winner's Time
2013	Thor Hushovd	588 km	4	15h 47' 42"
2014	Moreno Moser	610 km	4	16h 12' 18"
2015	Thomas Voeckler	637 km	4	16h 34' 05"
2013	Thor Hushovd (BMC Racing)	588 km	4	15h 47' 42"
2015	Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar)	637 km	4	16h 34' 05"

The 2015 edition was the longest to date, reflecting organizers' efforts to increase difficulty and spectator appeal. Each year, the race has expanded slightly in distance and international participation, drawing more UCI ProTeams and media coverage, especially from cycling-centric nations like France and Belgium.

Why It Matters

The Arctic Race of Norway has become a key fixture in the European cycling calendar, blending athletic competition with regional tourism promotion. Its remote Arctic setting and challenging terrain offer a unique test for riders, distinguishing it from flatter continental races.

The race boosts local economies in northern Norway, with towns like Bodø and Narvik seeing increased tourism during event days.
It provides exposure for UCI Continental teams to compete against ProTeams, enhancing development opportunities for younger riders.
Staging races in Arctic conditions tests rider adaptability to cold, wind, and variable road surfaces, simulating Grand Tour challenges.
The event strengthens Norway’s identity as a cycling-friendly nation, encouraging infrastructure investment in bike paths and training programs.
Media coverage from broadcasters like Eurosport amplifies international visibility for Norwegian culture and landscapes.
Winning the 2015 edition elevated Thomas Voeckler’s reputation ahead of the Vuelta a España, showcasing late-season form.

As a relatively new race, the Arctic Race of Norway continues to grow in prestige, offering both competitive depth and scenic grandeur. Its 2015 edition marked a milestone in route length and international participation, setting a benchmark for future years.