Race 2 of Arctic Race of Norway sees Alexander Kristoff snatching victory at tight, competitive sprint conclusion
Alexander Kristoff Wins Stage 2 of the Arctic Race of Norway 2025
Alexander Kristoff claimed his 98th career victory at the Arctic Race of Norway 2025, winning the second stage of the race in a thrilling sprint finish in Sørreisa. This marks his second win of the season and brings him one step closer to the symbolic milestone of 100 career wins before his planned retirement at the end of the 2025 season.
The Arctic Race of Norway 2025 took place from August 7 to 10, featuring 108 riders competing over multiple stages in northern Norway, including challenging terrain near and above the Arctic Circle.
Kristoff, riding for the Uno-X Mobility team, has a strong history with this race, holding records for most stage wins (7) and most days in the leader's jersey (6) at this event. In Stage 2, Kristoff won after a tactical race marked by weather challenges (rain) and a late climb, with decisive team work and a strong sprint finish.
A five-rider breakaway, including Josh Burnett (Burgos-BH) and Morthen Wang Baksaas (Team Ringerikskraft), formed during the opening 40km. The breakaway's lead increased to a minute and a half as the race approached the final circuits. However, with under 15km to go, the gap to the four leaders dropped to just 30 seconds and they were reeled back in.
Kevin Vermaerke bridged across and passed Stockman in a solo bid for the stage win. Eirik Vang Aas (Team Coop-Repsol) later joined the breakaway. Vermaerke was caught by a chasing field led by Uno-X Mobility, XDS Astana Team, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, and Team Flanders-Baloise inside 4km to go.
In the final sprint, Kristoff launched his sprint from the front and took his 98th career victory while on home soil. Tom Van Asbroeck (Israel-Premier Tech) finished as runner-up, with Karsten Larsen Feldmann (Team Coop-Repsol) in third place. Baksaas picked up full points over the summits.
Corbin Strong (Israel-Premier Tech) finished safely in the field and continues to lead the overall classification. Arkéa-B&B Hotels moved to the front for the bunch sprint, but a crash disrupted the final, allowing Uno-X Mobility to take the lead.
Kristoff’s long and distinguished career includes two Monument wins (Milano-Sanremo and Tour of Flanders) and multiple Tour de France stage wins. The Arctic Race of Norway has a special significance for him as it is held in his home country, and he considers it a fitting stage for the late chapters of his professional journey.
The race results were powered by FirstCycling.
Sports fans celebrated Alexander Kristoff's thrilling sprint finish in Sørreisa, claiming his second win of the season and bringing him one step closer to the symbolic milestone of 100 career wins in sports. This victory marked his 98th career victory at the Arctic Race of Norway 2025, a race that holds significant importance for the sprinter as it takes place in his home country.
