New season of pumptrack series in Hallingdal

- The Hallingdal Pumptrack Series was one of last year's major innovations in cycling in Norway. In total, more than 170 participants took part and showed that pumptrack is not only fun for those who ride - but can also be a real nail-biter for those who watch. Hallingdal is now kicking off a new season of pumptrack fun. Again this year, there will be 4 stops in the series and 10.000,- in first prize in each series round - but the organizer also has some news in store...

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The competition dates for the Hallingdal Pumptrack Series are finally ready. The competition starts on Saturday, June 26 in Norway's trail cycling capital, Nesbyen. The last of the four series rounds will take place in Geilo on September 25.

"We're very keen to retain the social and inclusive element. Recruiting girls is one of the most important things we can work on in the development of Hallingdal as a mountain bike destination.

Clint Butcher is at the helm again this year, and he has spent the winter evaluating his debut season in 2020. "Last year's season exceeded all expectations. At the same time, the pumptrack series was a bit of an experiment, and we definitely went into it with the mindset that we would gather experience and continuously develop and improve the event. We won't be making any major changes this year, but we have made several adjustments to the program to ensure that both participants and the public have an even better experience. Of course, we hope that this will help to attract even more cyclists of all ages to this year's series."

Image: Focused participant gets into gear. Photo: Lars Storheim

Own girls' class

New in this year's series is a new class division for the youngest. The age group 0-8 years will have its own class and for juniors (9-12 years) there will be both boys' and girls' classes this year. At senior level, participants can still choose between elite and open classes.

"We're very keen to retain the social and inclusive element. Recruiting girls is one of the most important things we can work on in the development of Hallingdal as a mountain bike destination. Everyone at the event was left in awe by Annika Pettersen's performance in last year's series. It was only natural to launch a separate girls' class, so we're making sure that Annika gets proper competition in the years to come," says Butcher.

10,000 at stake in each series round

Last year, the Hallingdal Pumptrack Series paved the way for some of the sport's fastest cyclists. In the first round it was pro rider Kaos Seagrave from the UK and Norwegian World Cup challenge rider, Mille Johnset, who took home the victory. In the remaining 3 rounds, some of Norway's fastest bmx riders on the men's side, Phillip Olafsen, Niklas Halvorsen and Sixten Simonsen, were at the top of the podium, while Annika Pettersen made a big splash with 3 straight first places in the women's class.

"All children who take part in the series receive an athlete prize and a diploma for their efforts. In the elite class, the prize money helps to motivate the best in the sport to make the trip to Hallingdal. They often come from far away, and many of them live partly or entirely from cycling. The feedback we've received is that the competition format is fun, different and relaxing. At the same time, the first prize of DKK 5,000 in the elite class provides a little extra, so that the best really bring out their competitive instincts. It's great entertainment for the spectators and incredibly inspiring for the children and young people taking part in the other classes. They get to see the very best that can be achieved on a pumptrack, and we think it has a very positive effect on the use of pumptrack and biking in everyday life." explains Lars Wraae Jensen, General Manager of organizer Tråkk 'n' Roll SA.

The Hallingdal Pumptrack Series is a collaboration between the destinations in Hallingdal and the main sponsors SpareBank 1 Hallingdal Valdres and Hallingplast.

This year's big news...

This year's series has several new features in store, but according to the organizer, the biggest news is still being kept close to the vest. Organizer Tråkk 'n' Roll SA has worked diligently to develop the event throughout the winter, and according to Wraae Jensen, this has opened new doors. "Last year's series has given us the belief that pumptrack in Norway is ready for an even bigger stage. Over the course of next week, we will unveil what we think it looks like."

Photo: Lars Storheim

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Facts Hallingdal Pumptrack Series:

• In 2021, the Hallingdal Pumptrack Series has had a total of 4 rounds: Nesbyen (June 26), Gol (July 24), Flå (August 14) and Geilo (September 25).

• For each round, 10.000,- is at stake in the elite class - 5.000,- to the fastest man and woman respectively.

• Sponsors: SpareBank1 Hallingdal Valdres and Hallingplast

• "Hallingdal Pumptrack Series" is organized by Tråkk 'n' Roll SA, which is owned by the 6 destination companies in Hallingdal.

• You can read more about the event here.