THE ”FJORD CLASSIC”
BERGEN-VOSS, is not only one of Norway’s biggest and best known cyclosportive events, but also one of the world’s most scenic tours. For the last forty years cyclists of all abilities have taken part in this unique race, each with their own goals and expectations. The 165 km route follow fjords and mountains between the coastal city of Bergen in western Norway, and the ski resort of Voss. To quote TACX after filming their Bergen-Voss training video in 2011: “Bergen-Voss is breathtakingly beautiful!”
FACTS ABOUT BERGEN-VOSS
• BERGEN-VOSS is one of Norways largest road cycle sportives with 2-5000 participants annually.
• BERGEN-VOSS has been arranged every year since 1977.
• BERGEN-VOSS is arranged on public roads and cycle lanes.
• BERGEN-VOSS has two official distances (165 km / 78 km).
• Participants come from all over Norway and abroad.
A UNIQUE POSITION
BERGEN-VOSS has a unique position in Western Norway. Arranged for the first time in 1977, the West Coast Fjord Classic has been the benchmark used by recreational athletes and active cyclists to test their physical condition. In recent years BERGEN-VOSS has developed more as a sportive event and active cyclists have battled out at national cycling cup races. All local cyclist, amature or pro, will however always be asked: “How did you do at Bergen-Voss?”
THE ROUTE
We start in the west coast capital of Bergen and make our way pass the suburbs of Nesttun and Arna to the South Fjord. At Trengereid (40 km) we hit the first of three major climbs to Gullbotn. We descend to Samnanger Fjord before taking on the second big climb over the mountain plateau of Kvamskogen (70 km). The road descends steeply through the Tokagjelet gorge to Norheimsund where we can rest and get something to eat at the largest food station along the route. We follow the Hardanger Fjord eastward, crossing the Fyksesund Bridge and pass Ålvik, Kvanndal and Granvin before arriving at the third and final big climb of the day, the famous hairpin bends of Skjervet (150 km). After reaching the top, the road descends to the finish line at the wonderful ski resort Voss.
NORHEIMSUND-VOSS
In 2014 we introduced a shorter distance from Norheimsund to Voss (78 km). This “half distance” begins after the two major climbs at Gullfjellet and Kvamskogen, and follows the beautiful Hardanger Fjord most of the way to Voss.
SAFETY HAS FIRST PRIORITY!
Along the route participants will meet a large number of civilian marshals, police and medical staff from the Norwegian Red Cross. Participants must also take responsibility to ensure a high level of safety for themselves, fellow riders, traffic and spectators alongside the road. Through general event information, our safety campaign, training rides and race day itself, we hope to influence our cycling friends in a positive way.
SAFER CYCLING
Inspired by VATTENFALL CYCLASSICS in Hamburg, we started our own Safer Cycling campaign in 2014. We organise training rides on all levels during the weeks leading up to BERGEN-VOSS and during the event our Safer Cycling Guides take part as role models and motivators. At our training rides we focus on communication, good sportsmanship and the do’s and don’ts of riding in a group.
TIMEOUT
In 2014 we introduced the Timeout concept at BERGEN-VOSS. We neutralize the racetime over a distance of 8 km. Within this part of the route we find the most technical descent, Tokagjelet, and the largest food station in Norheimsund. Participants can descend at “their own” speed and those who wish to, can take an extra long break at Norheimsund before continuing their journey to Voss.
LOCAL ENTHUSIASM
BERGEN-VOSS is arranged by the Bergen Cycle Club, but is assisted by local sports clubs and governing bodies along the route. We pass through the municipalities of Bergen, Samnanger, Kvam, Granvin and Voss. Through this collaboration, the locals look at the race more as “their own” and welcome our participants as their guests.
BERGEN-VOSS, is not only one of Norway’s biggest and best known cyclosportive events, but also one of the world’s most scenic tours. For the last forty years cyclists of all abilities have taken part in this unique race, each with their own goals and expectations. The 165 km route follow fjords and mountains between the coastal city of Bergen in western Norway, and the ski resort of Voss. To quote TACX after filming their Bergen-Voss training video in 2011: “Bergen-Voss is breathtakingly beautiful!”
FACTS ABOUT BERGEN-VOSS
• BERGEN-VOSS is one of Norways largest road cycle sportives with 2-5000 participants annually.
• BERGEN-VOSS has been arranged every year since 1977.
• BERGEN-VOSS is arranged on public roads and cycle lanes.
• BERGEN-VOSS has two official distances (165 km / 78 km).
• Participants come from all over Norway and abroad.
A UNIQUE POSITION
BERGEN-VOSS has a unique position in Western Norway. Arranged for the first time in 1977, the West Coast Fjord Classic has been the benchmark used by recreational athletes and active cyclists to test their physical condition. In recent years BERGEN-VOSS has developed more as a sportive event and active cyclists have battled out at national cycling cup races. All local cyclist, amature or pro, will however always be asked: “How did you do at Bergen-Voss?”
THE ROUTE
We start in the west coast capital of Bergen and make our way pass the suburbs of Nesttun and Arna to the South Fjord. At Trengereid (40 km) we hit the first of three major climbs to Gullbotn. We descend to Samnanger Fjord before taking on the second big climb over the mountain plateau of Kvamskogen (70 km). The road descends steeply through the Tokagjelet gorge to Norheimsund where we can rest and get something to eat at the largest food station along the route. We follow the Hardanger Fjord eastward, crossing the Fyksesund Bridge and pass Ålvik, Kvanndal and Granvin before arriving at the third and final big climb of the day, the famous hairpin bends of Skjervet (150 km). After reaching the top, the road descends to the finish line at the wonderful ski resort Voss.
NORHEIMSUND-VOSS
In 2014 we introduced a shorter distance from Norheimsund to Voss (78 km). This “half distance” begins after the two major climbs at Gullfjellet and Kvamskogen, and follows the beautiful Hardanger Fjord most of the way to Voss.
SAFETY HAS FIRST PRIORITY!
Along the route participants will meet a large number of civilian marshals, police and medical staff from the Norwegian Red Cross. Participants must also take responsibility to ensure a high level of safety for themselves, fellow riders, traffic and spectators alongside the road. Through general event information, our safety campaign, training rides and race day itself, we hope to influence our cycling friends in a positive way.
SAFER CYCLING
Inspired by VATTENFALL CYCLASSICS in Hamburg, we started our own Safer Cycling campaign in 2014. We organise training rides on all levels during the weeks leading up to BERGEN-VOSS and during the event our Safer Cycling Guides take part as role models and motivators. At our training rides we focus on communication, good sportsmanship and the do’s and don’ts of riding in a group.
TIMEOUT
In 2014 we introduced the Timeout concept at BERGEN-VOSS. We neutralize the racetime over a distance of 8 km. Within this part of the route we find the most technical descent, Tokagjelet, and the largest food station in Norheimsund. Participants can descend at “their own” speed and those who wish to, can take an extra long break at Norheimsund before continuing their journey to Voss.
LOCAL ENTHUSIASM
BERGEN-VOSS is arranged by the Bergen Cycle Club, but is assisted by local sports clubs and governing bodies along the route. We pass through the municipalities of Bergen, Samnanger, Kvam, Granvin and Voss. Through this collaboration, the locals look at the race more as “their own” and welcome our participants as their guests.
