The Arctic Race of Norway – The mixed sustainability message of the greenest race in the world – A greener life, a greener world

By Anders Lorenzen

Starting this week, the professional road cycling race, the Arctic Race of Norway (ARN), has been labelled by the organisers as both the most beautiful and greenest race in the world. 

Now in its 12th edition, the race consists of four stages within the Arctic Circle, and will see some of the best cyclists in the world compete.

The green credentials

The race organisers say they are modelling their philosophy on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNDP) and that the objective of the race is to leave a positive mark each on the territories of Northern Norway and deliver sustainability results through environmental as well as social actions. 

They reference climate change as the biggest challenge facing the world and say there can be no doubt that the Arctic regions is strongly impacted. 

As a result ARN wants to reduce their impact on nature through promoting cycling as a sustainable mobility options through community engagement. 

Electric vehicle logistics

According to ARN, they have been fully powered by electric vehicles (EV’s) since 2023, after the organisers began the transition to EV’s in 2019.

The race tallies 125 vehicles that are provided Hyundai from organising staff to team support cars, with mobile electric chargers arranged around the route.

The promotion of promotion of nature and sustainability in the Norwegian Arctic

Starting in Borkenes on the 7th of August and finishing in Tromsø on the 10th of August, the race that is broadcast to a global audience will display some of the most beautiful as well as fragile nature environments not only in Norway but ranked highly across the Nordic and Scandinavian region. 

It is not by accident the race finishes in Tromsø and as it is one of the most attractive and visited tourist destinations in the Scandinavian country. Visit Norway describes the destination as the gateway to the Arctic. 

How is the Norwegian Arctic impacted by climate change

The 2025 route of the ARN passes through several areas especially vulnerable to climate impacts. 

Increased temperatures

The coastal county of Troms with the towns of Harstad, Borkenes, Målselv that are either start or finish venues are in itself climate battlegrounds for which climate models forecast significant warmer autumn and winter temperatures. Annual precipitation is projected to not only rise by 20–30%, but also shift. 

Sea-level rise and storm surges

Tromsø is particularly exposed to sea-level rise and storm surges—with 200-year return flood heights estimated around 2.2 m above mean sea level. 

The threat of avalanches

The small communities of Tennevoll, Sørreisa and Husøy that also act as start or finishing venues face growing risks of avalanches and road access blockages, particularly in winter. While snow is currently increasing in intensity, future projections suggest less snow—but more freeze–thaw and rainfall events.

Driving the solutions

Clean technology and energy

However, the area is also home to several climate and energy solutions. 

The counties of Troms and Finnmark are close to 90% renewable electricity, with goals to scale hydropower, wind, smart grids, and green hydrogen for remote and rural flexibility.

Tromsø is the center of a green transport push with electric buses, hydrogen ferries, and rural EV infrastructure.

Climate research

At the IMPETUS Arctic demo site in Troms and Finnmark supports tools like digital twins, hazard mapping, VR-based citizen engagement, and slushflow modeling—fostering informed adaptation planning.

The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) in Tromsø is cultivating municipal climate adaptation networks that is enhancing local resilience strategies.

Based in Tromsø the Norwegian Polar Institute’s programme, FACE-IT focuses on co-managing fjord ecosystems amid rapid environmental shifts.

Ties to the fossil fuel industry

However there’s a reall spanner in the works of ARN’s sustainability messages, at least if you were to ask climate activists.

One of the events main sponsors is the Norwegian state-owned oil and gas giant Equinor. 

While they have made some noises around diversifying into clean energy which was the key reason why they in 2018 rebranded and replaced the old name of Statoil, meaning State Oil with Equinor. 

Green groups and climate advocates argue that like many other fossil fuel giants who are investing heavily into sports to distract from their day to day activities are engaging in sportswashing as well as greenwashing.  

Anders Lorenzen is the founding Editor of A greener life, a greener world.