Race Highlight - Arna Westfjords Way Challenge
Event Name: Arna Westfjords Way Challenge
Location: Iceland
Event Website: https://cyclingwestfjords.com/wfwc/
2023 Date: June 27 - July 2
Race Distances:
960 kilometers/ 595 miles.
The event is divided into four stages, with a fifth rest day between stages 3 and 4.
About the course:
This ultra-endurance stage race is the first of its kind. It’s more than a race to the finish — it’s about a meaningful interaction with people and place. You’ll be pushing your limits while taking in some of the endless opportunities to learn about and interact with Icelandic culture. Between your long days in the saddle, your race time will pause whenever you visit museums, and cafes, and take part in Icelandic traditions like hot pot soaking and sea swimming.
The race takes place in the remote Westfjords region of Iceland, which winds through endless fjords, mountain passes, hot pots, and waterfalls. Each stage is about 250km [150 mi] long with 2,450m [8,000 ft] of climbing. The riding itself is not technical, but you can expect lots of mountain passes, rolling hills, gravel, and of course, unpredictable Icelandic wind/ weather.
It is important to note that while there are supported aspects of the race (we transport a bag and sleep system) you are required to ride self-supported otherwise and are responsible for navigating the course with resupply point opening hours in mind. This is a very remote area and resupply opportunities are limited. Similarly, if for any reason you cannot go on to the next stage, you are responsible for finding your own transport off-route.
We highly recommend you read through the Race Handbook before registering to make sure you fully understand your responsibilities as a rider.
Registration details
Registration is now open
Where to register: cyclingwestfjords.com/wfwc
Information for beginners:
This race is not recommended for beginners – the distances are long and the riding is intense. You should be comfortable riding 250km per day back to back in adverse weather conditions.
For those who want a shorter version of the race, you can opt to register for the Stage Four Midnight Special, which takes place on July 2. 100 Riders will join the rest of the Arna WFWC for the final stage midnight start, and will ride 120 miles under the midnight sun through some of the best nature the Westfjords has to offer. Registration information will be available soon. Follow @cyclingwestfjords for updates.
Race Schedule:
June 27: Race Expo at Dokkan Brugghús in Ísafjörður
June 28: Stage One: Ísafjörður to Hotel Laugarhóll
June 29: Stage Two: Hotel Laugarhóll to Vogur Country Lodge
June 30: Stage Three: Vogur Country Lodge to Patreksfjörður
July 1: Adventure Day: Rest and explore in Patreksfjörður
July 2: Stage Four Midnight Special: + Finish Party: Patreksfjörður to Ísafjörður
Steamboat is a World Class ski resort in the winter and World Class for all types of cycling and outdoor activities in the summer.
Travel
Riders will fly into Keflavik International Airport. From there, they can take a shuttle (40 min) to Reykjavik domestic airport and catch a flight to Ísafjörður. Alternatively, we will offer a rider bus with pickup at the Keflavik airport or downtown. Information about the bus will be communicated closer to the race date. Bike boxes can be stored at the local bike shop.
Accommodations:
Riders can stay at hotels or tent camp. The race starts and ends in Ísafjörður – the biggest town in the Westfjords. Book accommodation here for the day(s) before and after the race.
Stages 1 and 2 both end at remote locations where there is only one main option for lodging. We have reserved these rooms in advance for the race, and they will be available to book through the registration portal starting November 2.
Once rooms are sold out you should reserve a camping space, or work with other riders to coordinate room shares.
If you don’t see available accommodation, you can book your own accommodation outside of reserved race hotels (keeping in mind you still need to arrive at the race hotel to finish your stage time and start the next stage).
If you are traveling with a partner or someone who wants to explore the Westfjords in a car during the day, you can book a campervan rental and sleep there at the end of each stage. *You cannot accept outside support from anyone outside of race-provided meals and what you can buy on-route
Ways this race promotes inclusivity:
While based in Iceland, the Arna Westfjords Way Challenge is representative of the international cycling community with a long history of under-representing women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) riders. Through a stepped registration system and BIPOC Scholarship (drawing/lottery), we aim to break down barriers and create space for an inclusive event field that represents all the people pushing their limits on bikes around the world. Part of this commitment includes pushing for equal representation of men and women in the race field, which is why 50% of the registration spots will remain reserved for women and non-binary riders until January 11.
Contact info:
