The Viking Tour of Norway

The” Viking Tour of Norway” provided the perfect endurance block for GB Para-cyclists, Darren Kenny & David Stone ahead of the London games starting in August.

According to the event website the 7 day Viking Tour is a Cyclo-Sportive but just as in the UK the impulse to race takes over. The Norwegian event even features a Racing Class alongside the Touring class, with each day’s stage including a timed section. Starting with a 4.5KM hill climb time trial on day 1 the 670 km week long “race” includes some of the highest mountain passes in northern Europe and takes the riders through some truly stunning scenery. As you would expect this far north the summer weather is not so reliable but this just adds to the drama!The longest stage in this years edition was some 159km finishing with a 10km climb in driving rain.

For Kenny & Stone it was simply about hard miles. The racing format ensures there are no” training camp easy days” and the course certainly demands effort and application.

Some 150 riders from all over Scandinavia,Europe and as far afield as South Africa contested the 2012 Viking Tour and numbers are on the increase.
The relaxed atmosphere created by the enthusiastic organising crew and the camaraderie of the riders as fatigue starts to tell make this a very special event. (All photos by Eamonn Deane)