Norway & Traktor Bike Park – Race Day
Well the race at Traktor Bike Park here in Norway is done and dusted. Certainly among the most challenging races I’ve done. Hopefully I’ll be back though.
A quick reflection on the race before getting a drink in me and a clean up.
The 80/20 series is the Norwegian National Enduro series, the 80/20 apparently refers to the descending/ascending in the stages. Some would say that’s how enduro should be but we all have different opinions on that.
A pre-race riders meeting was well attended so everyone knew the deal. I think it’s fair to say we didn’t get the most out of it.
The race format was very relaxed, you could ride with your mates and had plenty of time to get between the stages. Also time off for lunch in-between. Moose Stew, mmmmmm.
The end of stage one, this was a tough one. It was the only new and fresh stage. The top was very hard work, through the odd bog and climbing up over root sections but the bottom was very fast and flowing.
The boys feeling it and having a rest between the stages.
The start of stage 6 has to be the best I’ve seen, certainly the best I’ve ever raced out of. A traditional Norwegian barn from the 1880’s.
Stage 6 was only short but it was one of the rockiest, a tough finish to a tough day.
This was within 10ft of the finish line, not a bad place to spend a few minutes and have a quick wash off in the lake.
Not only bodies getting a quick dunk either.
Came across this bike from Finland. Pole Bicycles have released their new frames this year with new geometry that they have been working on for two years now. This the enduro orientated Evolink 140, they also do the 110, 130, 150 and 176 models. All based around the same idea but aimed at XC to trail and enduro to DH.
I was told by the rider that this is the longest and slackest 29er in production. I’ll be doing a little investigating about this and hopefully be able to bring you more information soon.
The suspension design is essentially a DW link driven rear triangle but pivoting around the BB.
He was also running a Dean Easy Tube+ system. This is a comparable system to Schwalbe set up. He told me the advantage of this system is you can run it at higher pressures, therefore protecting your rims a little more.
A little post-race bike maintenance. The trails are rough so I expect a few bikes wouldn’t have made it through without issues. I lost a chain somewhere along stage three, luckily I bought and installed a new one during the lunch break.
A little post-race rider maintenance. Can’t beat a good stretch after a long ride.
Female winners –
- Stina Bondehagen – 35:11
- Alice Grindheim – 35:36
- Vera Leivsdottir – 35:50
Male Winners –
- Zakarias Blom Johansen – 25:57
- Robin Wallner – 26:07
- Espen Johnsen – 27:17
After a weekend of racing and around 150 riders, most of which camping on site, I’ve not seen a single piece of litter on the ground. That’s the way it should be done.
I’m hoping we get to come back next year and race it again. It’s been a cracking few days, the trails are amazing. They are challenging compared to most of the races in the UK, but I say that’s a good thing. Next year, get yourself a flight to Oslo, a hire car booked and get up here. If you’re not scared of pedaling and a few rocks, you won’t be disappointed. Lazy out.
