Arctic Race of Norway gives teams and organisers electric support cars

The Arctic Race of Norway, one of the youngest stage races in the calendar and the only UCI-sanctioned race to take place within the Arctic Circle, got underway on Thursday. Spectators might have noticed that things were a little quieter on course than usual, because at this year’s race, all support cars, both for the race organisers and the teams, are electric vehicles.

A hundred and twenty electric vehicles have been provided by Chinese electric car manufacturer XPENG, the official car supplier for this year’s race. Usually, teams bring their own team cars to races, but since the Arctic Race of Norway is so remote, the organiser has provided their own.

Knut Eirik Dybdal, the managing director of the Arctic Race of Norway, explained further.

“XPENG only produce electric cars, and that suits us perfectly," he said. "We all have a responsibility to contribute to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Arctic Race of Norway is certified as an Eco-Lighthouse , and with this agreement we become even more climate-friendly and sustainable. We are very satisfied with that.”

“All major sporting events have an impact on the environment," added managing director of XPENG Norway, Claues Persson. "This becomes particularly evident in the world's northernmost professional cycling race. Arctic Race of Norway is committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions. An all-electric car fleet is a big step in the right direction, and a step XPENG is very proud to be a part of.”

This appears to be a positive step, especially in the wake of a 2021 study that showed that the Tour de France emitted a lung-choking 216,388 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions.

As expected though, it has already proved to be a system with its own teething problems. With 63km to go, Alessandro Fedeli of Q36.5 Pro Cycling was forced to wait for far longer on the side of the road than we're used to seeing, as his team struggled to get his spare bike from the side-mounted rack on the team car.

Arctic Race of Norway

• Dates 17 Aug - 20 Aug
• Race Length 662 kms
• Race Category Elite Men