Giovanni Lonardi wins Arctic Race of Norway opener as Casper van Uden finishes 20th

Giovanni Lonardi has won the opening stage of the Arctic Race of Norway. The Italian from Polti VisitMalta proved the fastest in the bunch sprint, beating Jason Tesson (TotalEnergies) and Riley Pickrell (Modern Adventure Pro Cycling).

The 2026 Arctic Race of Norway got underway on Thursday with a 181.9-kilometer stage between Evenes and Myre. The organizers classified the opening stage as flat, although the riders still had to tackle three second-category climbs along the way.

That provided enough terrain before the finale to make the race difficult and put the sprinters' teams under pressure. A breakaway duly formed and spent a long time ahead of the peloton, staying clear until deep into the finale.

The day's brave attackers were four Norwegians: Eirik Vang Aas (Team Drali-Repsol), Morten Wang Baksaas (Lucky Sport Cycling Team), Ludvik Aspelund Holstad (Team Ringerike) and Henrik Teslo Fjellheim (Lillehammer CK Continental). Credit where credit is due.

Several sprinters' teams were required to bring the escapees back, with the break finally caught three kilometers from the finish. Lonardi ultimately emerged as the surprise winner, while the likes of Ethan Vernon (NSN) and Casper van Uden (Picnic PostNL) were unable to challenge for the victory. Van Uden eventually finished 20th.