It’s now the week of the event!! This means a last effort in preparation for the years’ big event on the 28th and 29th August. Here comes the latest information to the competitors:

Safety along the route

Safety is extremely important along the route to prevent injuries and accidents. Please pay attention to the following:

There are sections along the cycle route that require extra attention.

1.  1,8km into the race the road swings 180 degrees to the left.

2.  After 17km there is a very steep downhill section on a forest track. The section has been improved this year – BUT it cycles even faster now.

3.  At Djuposet there is a sharp bend over a narrow bridge – watch your speed here!

4. Please pay special attention to competitors who want to overtake between Djuposet and Bekkemellom.

5. The road divides just after Djuposet, and all competitors with exception of the elite can choose which route to take.

6. There is a sharp bend to the right before the refreshment station at Bringbusætra just after a fast downhill section.

7. There is a hazardous downhill section before Thingstadbrua bridge. NOTE! The bridge may be slippery.

8. Speed can be very fast from Storåsen.

9. The route joins a public road FV2 from Sjusjøen and takes a sharp right by ”Mesnarøret”. After 3,5km the road bends to the left and downwards towards Sjøsæterveien by Avskåkålia. Be aware of the 120 degree bend as you join Sjøsæterveien!

10. Sections of the route are challenging before the finish line, especially on the ballet slope (ballettbakken).

11. The finish line is outside Håkons Hall. It’s important that all competitors pay extra attention to others in this area to avoid accidents. Make sure your bottle holder is well attached to your bike!

KEEP TO THE RIGHT, RESPECT TRAFIC REGULATIONS AND EACH OTHER. If you arrive at an accident before health officials please help those involved and call for help. FOLLOW THE ORGANISERS INSTRUCTIONS AND GET OFF YOUR BIKE IF NECESSARY!!!!

Deadlines

Sale has now closed for entrance fees, re-registering, re-seeding and sale of single licenses. For those who don’t hold an annual license and who haven’t bought a single license in advance, must now buy before collection of start number either at Rena or at Lillehammer. We accept card payment, although cash is recommended if queues are long. A single license costs NOK 200,-. Those who have a valid annual license must bring proof.

Bus transport

Remember that your seat on the bus to all destinations must be booked in advance. Order in good time! Final deadline for reservations is Thursday 16:00 hrs for FredagsBirken, and Friday16:00 hrs for Birkebeinerrittet. Order here: https://tiur.hwiig.no/buss/ Travel time by bus Lillehammer- Rena is about 2 hours, and 3 hours from Oslo – Rena. Car parking is available by Vikingskipet Hamar – then take the bus to all destinations between Lillehammer and Rena. Departure from Hamar is 55 minutes after departure from Lillehammer. Return from Lillehammer: Sigrid Undsetsvei road (below Kristins Hall).

NSB (trains) have extra departures with bike transport 27th and 28th August. See www.nsb.no

Team busses

Team busses are parked at the car park by the ski jump at Lillehammer. Team busses must take the sourthern exit to Lillehammer (Strandtorget), follow the signs to Maihaugen and continue north on the same road to the finish area. It will not be possible to park at Sigrid Undsetsveg.

Backpack/clothing

We remind competitors again that ALL competitors without exception must carry a backpack that weighs a minimum 3,5kg throughout the race. The backpack should contain for example spare clothes, food, drink, tools, puncture repair kit and spare parts. We recommend taking a pump and spare innertube. Extra clothes are a must. It can be cold in the hills and if for any reason you are forced to stop it can be very cold standing in 5-6 degrees in the rain. Competitors are responsible for ensuring that backpacks aren’t too light on arrival at Lillehammer. Backpacks are weighed in at the finish line. Competitors without a backpack or with an underweight backpack will get a time fault or be disqualified. You can check the weight of your backpack on scales placed by the secretariat on Friday and Saturday.

Bike repair service

We offer a bike repair service to our competitors and have many mechanics at the start of the race – we have increased this service in response to the high demand and long queues experienced last year. However, please check over your bike in advance and make sure that everything works before arriving at the start area. Demanding repairs taking 1-2 hours on Friday evening or Saturday morning won’t be made. Bike repair services area available at Skramstadsetra, Djuposet, Bringbusætra, Kvarstadsætra, Elgåsen and Avskåkålia.

Bike transport

We transport bikes at owners risk. Bikes are leant against each other. If you are worried about getting ‘small’ scratches etc. the bike should be packed in. Carbon frames should also be packed in! Bubblewrap plastic is available at Sigrid Undsetsvei, Lillehammer for NOK 20,-.

Birkbeinerrittet and swine flu

Birkebeinerrittet has continuous contact with the health authorities to determine the risk and limit the spread of infection. The most important advice is good hygiene, especially hand hygiene. Those who are ill should stay at home and NOT attempt to start the race. For further information see: http://pandemi.no

Good luck with your final preparations. See you on Friday 28th or Saturday 29th August.

Best wishes

The Birkebeiner administration team