Arctic Race of Norway 2026: Foldager and Crescioli the men to beat in the Midnight Sun race

A race like no otherThe Arctic Race of Norway has always been a fascinating appointment on the international calendar, combining the charm of Nordic landscapes with a route that rewards the most complete riders. The 2026 edition, scheduled for August 13th, promises to be balanced and full of tactical insights, with a start list mixing young talents and seasoned professionals.The favourites: Foldager and Crescioli in the spotlightThe name that stands out on paper is Anders Foldager (Team Jayco AlUla). The Dane arrives in Norway on the back of a season that saw him win the De Brabantse Pijl - La Flèche Brabançonne and finish second at the Circuit Franco-Belge, results that certify his attitude for hilly one-day races. His ability to consistently place in the top positions makes him the number one candidate for the overall win.Right behind him, ready to challenge, is Ludovico Crescioli (Team Polti VisitMalta). The Italian is in excellent form, as shown by his fifth place at Circuito de Getxo and sixth at Clásica de Ordizia. The win at Giro dell'Appennino and fourth at Tour du Jura Cycliste tell of a rider who knows how to suffer and strike at the decisive moments, qualities that could make the difference on Norwegian roads.Experience and home advantage: Poels and KulsetOne cannot ignore the presence of Wout Poels (Unibet Rose Rockets). The Dutch veteran, despite a 2026 season so far lacking in satisfaction, possesses an international pedigree that makes him a real threat, especially on the toughest stages where experience can prove decisive.Also watch out for Johannes Kulset (Uno-X Mobility). The young Norwegian rides at home and knows these roads perfectly. His ninth place at the Giro d'Italia 2026, even if referring to a stage or a leader's jersey, testifies to a very high level of competitiveness. The support of the crowd and his team could give him that extra edge.Possible surprisesAmong the names that can aim for a prestigious placing is Xabier Berasategi (Euskaltel - Euskadi), capable of shining in stage races like the Tour of Hainan and the Grande Prémio Anicolor. Also Alessandro Pinarello (NSN Cycling Team), third at O Gran Camiño, has shown he can handle demanding routes. And for reduced sprints, keep an eye on Jason Tesson (TotalEnergies), fresh from an excellent eighth place at the Copenhagen Sprint.Tactical analysis and predictionThe race will likely be decided on short climbs and uphill finishes, where the ability to attack in the finale will be crucial. Foldager and Crescioli appear the best equipped for this type of battle, with Poels and Kulset ready to step in on the hardest stages. The most numerous team is Team Flanders - Baloise with six riders, but it is Jayco AlUla and Polti VisitMalta that field the strongest leaders and can control the race.The De Brabantse Pijl - La Flèche Brabançonne, won by Anders Foldager, is a Belgian classic held on the hills of Flemish Brabant, terrain that closely resembles what can be found on some Arctic Race stages — source: CyclingnewsOur prediction for the final podium sees Anders Foldager in first place, followed by Ludovico Crescioli and Johannes Kulset. But in such an unpredictable race, surprises are always around the corner.