UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS GENERAL INFORMATION BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 17th-24th 2017 UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 I GENERAL INFORMATION BULLETIN

WELCOME TO BERGEN ()

Bergen is a city on the west coast of Norway, capital of Hordaland county. The se- cond-largest city in Norway, with 280,000 inhabitants, Bergen is an international city with small-town charm and atmosphere. Known as the “Gateway to the Fjords of Norway”, it is a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture. The Bergen region has a coastline with thousands of small islands. This island ar- chipelago and the majestic fjords make for highly varied scenery. The city is like a spectacular amphitheatre clambering up the mountainsides, overlooking the sea, embracing its visitors. Tradition and history live side by side with a vibrant cultural scene. The legacy of the Han- seatic period goes hand in hand with Bergen’s present status as a European City of Culture. Both are highly visible on a stroll around the city. Bergen is sheltered from the North Sea by the islands Askøy, Holsnøy (the municipality of Meland) and Sotra (the municipalities of Fjell, Sund and Øygar- den). With its proximity to the North Sea and the fjords, Bergen and the region are accustomed to a fine mix of weather conditions. From the clear blue sky, to the delight of rain, the inhabitants of Western Norway live with nature. Because of the Gulf Stream, the climate is much better than the latitude indicates. The tempe- ratures are mostly like continental Europe during autumn at 10-20°C. In the autumn, the landscape is painted in golden colors, creating a very special atmosphere around the city and region. The city is an international centre for aquaculture, shipping, offshore petroleum in- dustry and subsea technology, as well as a national centre of expertise for higher education, tourism and finance. Bergen is an important university city with more than 30,000 students. Among others, the famous Norwegian School of Economics (Norges Handelshoyskole), School of Architecture, the National Academy of the Arts, the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research and the Norwegian Naval Academy are located in Bergen. Meanwhile, the CHU of Haukeland is one of the most modern in the country, and its biological re- search area is one of the most advanced in Europe. Bergen and the region are proud to be hosting the 2017 UCI Road World Cham- pionships. As organisers of the 2017 UCI Road World Championships, the Norwegian Cycling Federation is looking forward to warmly welcoming athletes, official delega- tions, media, providers and fans to Bergen to attend this event.

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INTERVIEW WITH THOR HUSHOVD, THE BERGEN 2017 AMBASSADOR

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE MEN ELITE INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL COURSE WITH THE HISTORICAL MOUNTAIN FINISH?

Bergen 2017 will present a spectacular course that is a very first for a UCI World Championships individual time trial. A mountain finish on top of Mount Fløyen will be amazing. The great thing is that the 3.4km climb with an average gradient of 9,1% will keep the excitement for the whole race. The top 5 at the bottom of Mount Fløyen will definitely not be the top 5 after the climb. I expect to see riders like aiming for the in Bergen. It will be an amazing day with a lot of spectators cheering for the riders.

AND WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE ROAD RACE CIRCUIT IN BERGEN?

The road race circuit is a technical course that will test the riders in many ways. There will be climbs (especially the Salmon Hill), quick descents, cobblestones and a lot of twists and turns. The positive thing with the course is that you hardly get any rest, the riders will have to be on high ale