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Race on, at the Arctic Race of Norway

After a summer of training camps in both Andorra and Livigno, Italy, the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is ready for the second half of the season. The Vuelta a España is a big goal for all of us, and for Tom Pidcock in particular. He will finetune his form at the Arctic Race of Norway, alongside Marcel Camprubí, Frederik Frison, Mark Donovan, Milan Vader and Sjoerd Bax.

6 August 2025

Tom Pidcock said on his first road race back in six weeks.

“It’s nice to be back on the road after some time away. This July we started the preparation for the Vuelta a España with a training camp in Andorra, which allowed me to do some mountain bike racing which went pretty well. It means that this summer has been a good mix of some high intensity, but also building that long endurance with a good group of people.

The Arctic Race of Norway is a new race to me but the course looks great and is an opportunity to explore a new part of the world. The mixed terrain gives us a nice space to find tune the form ahead of the big tests to come.”

The Arctic Race of Norway has four stages especially suited to the puncheur type riders. On stage two there is even some gravel on the local laps around Sørreisa. The general classification is usually decided on stage three where we visit the Fjellandsby climb: 3,7km at 7,9%.

The weather in the Arctic Race of Norway, since it’s as the name suggests above the Arctic Circle – can be variable. Sometimes there is rain and even icy cold conditions and sometimes sunny and bright. This week will be a bit of both but we have Q36.5 clothing choices for all options. Frederik Frison explains how to navigate these circumstances and what to pack.

“I left home at 11am. We flew from Brussels at 2pm with an ASO charter flight with the entire peloton and arrived in the hotel at 9pm so it was a long day of travel. I had prepared everything the day before, but to be honest I always have the basics in my suitcase ready. In my case that is a skinsuit, gloves, shoes and aero socks. I also bring leisure wear from the team and a pair of scissors to cut the bib numbers,” Frederik explains.

“Then for Norway and the weather we have here with about 17-18 degrees with a chance of rain, I bring the long sleeve Gregarius Jersey, two base layers – the 1, which is sleeveless & the 2 which is short sleeved -, leg and arm warmers and overshoes. The team always bring our rain bags where we have multiple rain jackets to choose from,” he explains the choices he has to dress warm but also aerodynamically.

“First impressions of Norway are great,” Fred finally adds. “I have never been to this country before but so far, it’s beautifully green with lots of water, small islands, good roads and a great hotel. After the altitude camp I look forward to racing again and happy to do that in the Arctic Race of Norway.”

The Arctic Race of Norway is not the only race this week. We are also racing in Vuelta a Burgos, Spain and Tour de l’Ain, France to get the legs warmed up for an exciting block of racing in August and September. Yes, we are very happy to be back.