Racing is often associated with a narrow focus on competitors, results, and numbers. On the other hand, gravel riding is about broadening your perspective, enjoying the adventure of biking, and appreciating nature and camaraderie. The Nordic Gravel Series Bergslagen is a perfect example of a gravel event that captures the true spirit of gravel riding while still allowing riders to experience the adrenaline and excitement of fast riding.
Over the weekend, I took part in the third Nordic Gravel Series event of the season, which is also a part of the Gravel Earth Series. Now, let’s dive into my 174k experience from Nora, Sweden.
READ FIRST: Nordic Gravel Series Bergslagen 2023
– Wow, I just made it, I think proudly to myself.
It seemed like the final selection was about to happen. We started in Nora at 10 AM, and after the first 4 km of the neutralized start, we moved onto narrow forest roads where the speed increased. I knew it would be easy to get caught behind, so I tried to stay near the front.
A natural selection happened in the early 500-meter powerline climb, followed by 1.5 kilometers of a forest road with a stone surface. It was definitely hard to keep the momentum. Then, we were down to 30 riders, and honestly, I thought that would set the premise for the next 40 kilometers.
While riding along a beautiful lake, we encountered hardpacked gravel that made it easy to coast in the group. I was at the back, recovering, when suddenly there were more attacks. Seeing Michael Ohlsson, my former teammate from People4you-Unaas in 2013, getting away, I knew I had to bridge the gap. It was now or never, so I sprinted to catch up to the 10 riders ahead. It was a big push, but I made it!
We are flying, with a little tailwind. The speed is high, and the roads are now smooth and fun to ride. The 12-man group is riding as a chain, ensuring everyone contributes and keeps up the speed.
After yesterday’s rainfall, some of the roads have standing water and my legs are getting dirty from the splashing. My left leg still has wounds from the crash in Halmstad. It’s healing, but I pray for no infection. There should be little chance of toxins out here. We are barely seeing anyone, just a few farms and a couple of lodgers in the woods. A few people are hiking. It’s a great day to be out, the sun is shining, and the temperature is close to 20ºC. Perfect for riding.
– This is where the climb starts, Ole Bjørn tells me.
My fellow Norwegian riders know the course and give me a heads-up on what’s ahead. The organizer has been talking about some solid inclines on the northern parts of the course, and we are approaching them.
The climb is like a stairway. Some sections have gradients up to 10%, while other parts flatten out. I stay at the front of the group. When I look down at the head unit, I see 400 watts, and in the steeper parts, we are closer to 500 watts. We are definitely going fast, but I feel strong, and make it over the top as the second rider. It’s an awesome feeling.
The climb follows a fast downhill with some bumpy and partly muddy sections. It’s a little sketchy, and one of the riders is starting to pull ahead. At the bottom, we make a hard left turn and encounter a steep climb towards the feed station. I wasn’t aware that this climb would be so challenging, but I push hard to keep up with the stronger riders.
My wife, Hanna, is at the top, handing out a bottle to me. The front group is stretched out as we go over the top. Soon, another climb is coming, and this one takes me by an even bigger surprise. I can’t keep up with the first riders. Luckily, another rider is also having trouble, and I manage to hold onto his wheel. He’s a powerful rider, and in the next downhill, we are again making it up to the leaders.
The whole section has definitely taken its toll on me, and I need to use the next loop until we hit the same climbs again to recover. There are 9 riders left in the front group.
REAL ALSO: 100-mile in the break in Unbound
The front group has been working cohesively, and nobody has tried to stir things up for the last 40 kilometers. We are soon approaching the climbs again. I feel that I have recovered well, and I am ready to give it a go to follow the leaders once again.
As we hit the first ramps, it’s clear that this climb will be a key moment of the race. I take Michael Ohlsson’s wheel and try to find the rhythm. The first ramps are tough, but I make it.
Then, the attacks begin. I try to accelerate to keep up, but suddenly, my legs are overwhelmed with lactate, and I can’t maintain the power. I have no choice but to let go of the riders.
– Come on, Jonas, find the flow and try to make it back up to them! I tell myself.
The headwind is really tough. We’re in the final 10 kilometers, and I’ve been battling against the wind for the last 30 kilometers after falling behind the leaders. I caught up with a rider from the 110-route, and we’ve been taking turns leading. However, our speed and power have decreased. But I still in 9th place in the 174k race.
As I was riding, suddenly two riders came up fast from behind. I picked up my speed and stayed behind them. They were going much faster, so I didn’t take the lead at all. My plan was to hang on and try to out-sprint at least one of them at the end, so I could secure a top 10 position.
We are on a bouncy and tricky double track. I can’t see much more than the rider in front of me. I pray nobody makes any mistakes. I’m grateful to have a race without any mechanical issues, as it’s been pretty rough gravel for lots of the course. My Challenge tires are holding up well.
The guys accelerate on the single tracks, and I realize I can’t keep up. I’m not completely exhausted, but my energy reserves are depleted, and I can’t handle any more lactic acid buildup. I give up and roll through the last kilometer to finish 11th.
Hanna is meeting me with a Coke, and it’s hard not to smile. It’s been a fun race. I had a great ride until the second time up the big climbs. The last 40 km have been harder, but all the suffering is forgotten when making the finish line.
Ole Bjørn is here. He finishes in a strong 6th place. It’s really impressive after his recent win in Mother North, where he covered 1100 km in 58 hours. I didn’t have such a hard preparation, but I assume my body battery wasn’t at 100% after UCI Halmstad and the crash. At least I had the energy for the first part of the race.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Nordic Gravel Series Bergslagen. The surroundings in Nora are stunning, and the gravel trails are fast, fun, and nearly traffic-free. If you’re a rider based in Scandinavia, this event is a must for your 2025 calendar. Even if you’re not from the Nordic region, you’ll still have a great time at this event.
Thank you Nordic Gravel Series for a great event. See you next year!