Stage 2 : Vågå - Valldal

19. July 2009
Distance: 170 km (50-138 km)
Total ascent:



Starting from Vågå, we ride non-timed and mostly on gravel over the first mountain. Much of the initial climb has asphalt though, so you get fairly easily up Slådalen and over the plains. Just get the most puncture-resistant tyres you can ! Both todays Slådalen and a part of stage 5 has a rougher gravel than VT has ever used. We strongly recommend bringing an extra set of tyres - as close to cyclocross-standard as your frame can take.

Near Lesja a feeding station also works as gathering point before the restart. The first kilometers offer easy rolling and great views of the open valley right between southern Norways east-west watershed. A great experience of shared cycling and a road, gently lifting you westwards. Secretly letting you go - off and down the valley. Ever easier and faster you roll...and a creeping feeling that this will explode around any turn. Vikings for the trolls.

Like yesterday there will be plenty of riders keen to put some time between themselves prior to the meaner hills. Long before the feeding station under Trollveggen the race will be on. The average tourist and viking tourers having left Vågå early will be staring up at the wild peak wall and not notice the peloton, breaking all speed limits right behind their backs. We consider leaving a budget post for whiplash-lawsuits. The touring class will of course have all time in the world to fill their bellies and even write a postcard home.

If cameras are left in the luggage truck, you can surely get a copy from those shooting from the other side of the road: The happiest peloton of 2009; 20 bright-coloured nationalities at warp speed passing Trollveggen. Cheese ! The Trollstigen climb is right at the backside of the wildly jagged knives. You might not like to hear it, but you are heading just a few kilometres further down the valley before hitting the back side-side climb. It is far from the hardest climb - not of Viking Tour or at the Fjordland. You will fight mountains twice as long and much steeper. But it is definetely a top -five spectacle.

Further down the road, left turn onto the brigde over river Rauma and then the trees start closing in. The road narrowing and twirling to avoid the inevitable. Hard on the pedals, fight for position towards another turn and..oh Shit ! A blank blackish granite wall ahead and no way if there is a road up there ! And someone has welded a full-scale bus into the hillside..? Familiar clicks, unmistakable flipping of right hands and you realize everyone are changing gears. Hopeful of a sensible speed you also shift down and move backwards on your seat for the best climbing position. Now you see there is actually a thin track grinded into the wall above. Point of no return

Back upright, arms stretched for easier breathing, comfort zone..and the others.... Why are all the others standing up..?! - The feather weights, the viking veterans, the youngest and ever-optimistic, the ex-pros, all the women, the 60+ riders, the Swedish... They were gearing up, the bastards! And chances are you hit the big chainring yourself. And stand. In utter despice of gravity. The summit is reached at 850asl and has a big parking space where you will find drinks and a wind-breaker that you hopefully sent with yje timing crew. And you also left your camera in the bag? There are 32 kilometres down to Valldal - todays stage finish. Gently ascending and a nice cool-down before food, lie-down and possibly sauna