Hoelgaard wins Stage 1 of Arctic Race of Norway

Uno-X Pro Cycling Team’s Markus Hoelgaard held off a late charge to take the first stage of the Arctic Race of Norway on Friday (AEST).

Markus Hoelgaard celebrates his Stage 1 victory at the Arctic Race of Norway Source: Getty Images

Hoelgaard made his move with one kilometre remaining in the 142.5-kilometre route and finished two seconds in front of Alexander Kristoff and Bryan Coquard (B&B Hotels p/b KTM).

The Norwegian finished second overall in 2018 and looked a determined figure after biding his time on an undulating course.

Warren Barguil (Arkea-Samsic) and Odd Christian Eiking (Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert) thought they had broken clear on the final climb with just over three kilometres to go, however Hoelgaard made sure they were never out of his sight before storming home to take the leader’s jersey.

Watch the second stage of the Arctic Race of Norway LIVE via SBS On Demand from 10pm (AEST) tonight.