The first-ever edition of the Tour of Norway Women got underway with a challenging opening stage featuring a summit finish that immediately tested the riders’ form and resilience.
Covering 101 kilometers from Jørpeland to the steep climb of Heia, Stage 1 unfolded over a relentless terrain of undulating roads and dramatic fjord landscapes. UAE Team ADQ approached the stage with an aggressive strategy, actively animating the race and consistently featuring at the front during the dynamic and fast-paced action.
The decisive move came on the second of three ascents of the Heia climb, where a leading group of around 20 riders broke clear. Alena Ivanchenko managed to stay with the leaders and held her own on the final climb, finishing in a strong 9th place. Her performance also earned her the white jersey as the best young rider in the general classification, leading the U23 standings.
Alena Ivanchenko commented after the stage: “It was a really tough day. The whole team did an excellent job – we worked together like a true unit and I’m proud of our effort. In the final part, I stayed with the front group. I’m a little disappointed I couldn’t follow the final attacks, but I kept my own pace and I’m grateful to wear the white jersey as the best young rider.”
The 21-year-old from Saint Petersburg crossed the finish line 23 seconds behind the stage winner, Belgium’s Justine Ghekiere (AG Insurance – Soudal Team). Ivanchenko now sits 9th in the General Classification, 33 seconds off the lead.
Tomorrow’s Stage 2 will cover 108 kilometers in a loop starting and finishing in Stavanger. While slightly less demanding in terms of elevation, the route is far from easy and is expected to produce another exciting day of racing.
📍 Stage 2 | June 1, 2025
📌 Stavanger – Stavanger (108 km)
🕔 Start: 17:00 CEST – Finish: 19:45 CEST
📺 Live coverage on discovery+ / Eurosport from 17:30 CEST
(ph. Aymeric Lassak)
