Norway will host another extreme triathlon race next year with the new Aurlandsfjellet Xtreme Triathlon, a half iron distance triathlon touted as "The World's Hardest Half-Ironman". Norway already boasts one of the worlds toughest races with it's challenging full iron distance Norseman Xtreme Triathlon race in Eidfjord. Now it will have two challenging distances for athletes to participate in, both which offer participants to see and conquer the scenic side or Norway.
Triathlon: Aurlandsfjellet Xtreme Triathlon
When: Saturday, August 13, 2011 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Aurland, Norway
Website: www.axtri.no
The Bergen Triathlon Club, which already host a it's own full iron distance race, the Bergen Triathlon in Askøy, will be organizing this new and challenging half iron distance triathlon Aurland. This year organizer did a test run of Aurlandsfjellet Xtreme Triathlon course. A small group of invited contestants tested the entire course, and the verdict was unanimous: this is a spectacular race!
They are only allowing 150 athletes to enter the race this year, due potentially extreme conditions on both the bike and run legs. Registration opened a few days ago and they already have 125 athletes signed up for the extreme challenge.
The 1900 meter long swim leg will start at the public "Laguna Beach" in Aurland and follow the shore along the famous Aurlandsfjorden. The water temperature is expected to be around 15-18 degree Celsius so wetsuits are mandatory. The 94km bike leg will be extremely hard with a total elevation of more that 3050 meters. Starting in the Aurland, you immediately start a 1320 steep climb towards the top then drop down to the fjord at the village of Erdal where you turn around. You tackle the steep climb again on your way back to Aurland. This famous and narrow mountain route offers unparalleled views of some of the most spectacular fjord landscapes in the world. The run leg starts off with an easy and flat 5km run to Vassbygdi. The next part of the run takes you through arguably the most beautiful one-day hike in Norway, 16km of dramatic and breathtaking scenery to Østerbø, where the finish line will be at 900 meters above sea level. There is no cut-off time on the swim leg but there will be a cut-off time after the bike leg, and also a health check before entering the valley. Unfit/exhausted athletes will be stopped if necessary.
If you are looking for something just a little bit different, a bit challenging and out of the norm, this has to be the race to ponder. Visit the website to see the pictures from the test run they did this year, you will be amazed at the scenery. You might think you are on a sightseeing tour through Norway instead actually doing a race.
Don't forget, if you want a chance to race in next year inaugural Aurlandsfjellet Xtreme Triathlon register soon as only a few spots remain. Visit www.axtri.no for the details.
For updates on the race you can follow @axtrirace or @BergenTri on on twitter.
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