Stage 5 : Øvre Årdal - Aurlandsvangen

22. July 2009

Distance: 147 km (10-130 km)

Total ascent:

The non-timed start of todays stage is one of Norways three best kept hairpin secrets: "The 1000 meter" starting in Øvre Årdal. The road was built between 1910 and 1920.

The alternative is to to stay on the new road instead of turning left at 400m asl. Crossroads are seen on the second leg. However with a little luck you will get to ride so exposed places that your fear gives you max heart rate -not the hard riding. Not keen on heights? Just be happy we`re ascending. Feeding station and line-up for restart will be at app. 1000m asl. Bring your camera!

At Sletterust we are all back on asphalt and race is on for the competitors. High speed near-flat riding along lake Tyin at 1083m asl. Groups will most likely be big all through Tyin crossroads, were the first real climb meets us. With less than 200 meters of concentrated ascent, it can be hard to decide whether to follow an attack or to let it go. As the profile shows, the falling terrain down to Årdal can provide a free catch-up for a well-working group. And who then has the best legs for Nalfarhøgdi..?

As this is written early october, three teams have confessed being hell-bent on winning the team award. They might provide a great basis for a fast rolling peloton.

Whatever your goal for the Tour is, the open plain of Fillefjell offers great views of lakes and mountains. A fair chance of headwind from distant Sognefjord might also tempt you into joining bigger groups and suggest a break. The descent is perfect for letting safely go of brakes. Even the more unexperienced should be able to enjoy this, while simply keeping the fingers on the handles for safety. You will back under the tree limit just seconds after heading into the first real down-hill stretch. From here on, vegetation changes rapidly with every second turn.

Heading for Lærdalsøyri, the valley keeps closing in, forcing the road to twist around cliffs and micro-canyons for a few kilometres. Just as you start wondering what happens if things get narrower the last 10 kilometres to Lærdal, the new E16 pops up from mowhere to save you from a bike-rafting ride. Speed still comes easily and a minute later you enter the much open lower Lærdal valley. Again -if you see the king fishing for salmon, remember he is the one that should ask for autographs. Wear sunglasses, look cool.

All down at sea-level, there is idyllic old Lærdalsøyri to have a look at if you can spare some minutes. 160 unesco-listed and well preserved wooden buildings from the 1700-1800`s. The obligatory feeding station is placed here, so even the leading groups can catch a glimpse of wood. On the other hand, Lærdal could be an alternative visit for tomorrows time trial & rest day.
From Lærdal, there are only a few all-flat kilometres before the shit hits the fan: A sharp left-turn in Berdal and then Nalfarhøgdi AKA "Snow road." 0-1306m asl in to few kilometres...

A long story made short: with some kind of diagnosis, everyone makes it up there. And always thinking safety: between Lærdal and the timing line, our medical crew is backed up by the local vet.
The timing line is on the far side of the plateau, at the last top before the road tips over, diving into Aurlandsfjord. The arena for the daily "Wet Viking Award" will be nearby to provide some added spice.

Aurland was our Nr. 1 choice for the double stop-over, time trial and rest day. The area is packed with great sights, arcitecture and nature based activities. We are working with the local tourist office and will list all possibilities as well as our own -unbiased- favourite

Live feed from stage 5

15:08:00	The previous message should have been sent 50 minutes earlier.
14:57:00	The first group is done with the snow hill. 3 km left to the finish line, they are pedaling like for their lives.
14:14:00	The front just passed the feeding station in Lærdalsøyri. The "snow road" now awaits. 1306 m asl of ascent in a very few kilometres.
13:50:00	This is quite off topic, but Thor Hushovd is currently running his own little break away. He has now got 12 seconds down to the chasing group and 3 minutes down to the pelaton. Way to go, Thor!
13:24:00	The last riders have stopped to have a photo session at Borgund stave church. It is still getting warmer, but it has become a little clouded.
12:43:00	The last riders are in the decent 40 km from Lærdal. The air is heating up slightly, now counting 16 degrees Celsius.
12:34:00	The second group is on the way up to Aurlandsvangen. They are 30 riders, led by Erlend Gjerde from Transplantertes IF.
12:22:00	The first 20 have just begun the climb up Aurlandsvangen. All the big guys are in this group, Jonathan, Vic, Frank. They are riding at a very pace. Estimated 4 km down to the following group.
12:03:00	At the first feeding station, the first group of 20 was moving fast. Two groups followed with 10 minute intervals.
11:39:00	The four competitors for the lanterne rouge title just left the feeding station after 33 km. They certainly are enjoying the sun.
10:41:00	The lead group is now on E16. All the main male names of this competition are in the 35-riders strong group. They passed the 38 km point after 90 minutes, so they are doing well. The sun is shining and the temperature is about 13 degrees Celsius.
10:28:00	The sprint was won by Tommi Virtanen, Per Magnusson came second and Marius Askautrud third.
10:03:00	The stage of today is 147 km long and it is timed from start to finish, through some of the most beautiful nature on the Planet. The touring class should enjoy the tranquility of the peaks and hillsides.
09:46:00	Not to mention the food, drinks and beds.
09:45:00	Intersport Viking Tour ’09 gives thanks to Årdal and Torgloftet for their hospitality. The pool did wonders to sore and cold riders.
09:10:00	The start went at 09.00 as planned. Timing started already at 09.00, which means, the race is already on for today!
09:04:00	Welcome to stage 5 of the Intersport Viking Tour. The stage is scheduled to start at 09.00. Finally, the sun has broke free from the clouds and the roads are dry.