Västerås - Uppsala   

Sweden is well known for its high quality of education and, like the other countries in Scandinavia, for its progressive attitude and a great social security system. It is not for nothing that this race is organised only by students in Sports Management studies from the universities located in Västerås and Uppsala. Just this fact makes this race unique in the OCM calender and it allows for an unique feel for riders and teams...

Read more

Sweden is well known for its high quality of education and, like the other countries in Scandinavia, for its progressive attitude and a great social security system. It is not for nothing that this race is organised only by students in Sports Management studies from the universities located in Västerås and Uppsala. Just this fact makes this race unique in the OCM calender and it allows for an unique feel for riders and teams taking part in this race.

The race starts in Västerås, at Mälardalen Högskola, where arts students will decorate the start line in a way never seen before in the cycling world. From here, the race will start with a small detour to the lake before heading out of Västerås in the direction of Uppsala, where the race will eventually finish at Uppsala Universitet.

The route will avoid main routes as much as possible, and as the smaller routes in Sweden are quite tight, this requires a lot of technique from the participating riders. Corresponding with the general vegetation in Sweden, this route, mostly through the forests, will have a lot of uneven terrain and capabilities on the hills are an absolute necessity for the riders to keep up with the pack until Uppsala.

If the riders manage to survive until Uppsala though, there is still one obstacle to survive before the final sprint at the university campus. Uppsala University is the oldest university in Sweden, and this can be seen in the infrastructure in the city. Before actually reaching the university, the riders have a few cobbled sections to pass in the city centre, such as Domkyrkagatan(Cathedral Street). After these sections the race will lead the riders to Carolina Rediviva, the University Library before leading them towards the final sprint at the Finish line on the university campus.

Fresh legs will be vital, and the best sprinter among the riders who managed to keep in touch with the pack will be the winner. That is, if there is not a successful break away, for which the terrain gives an excellent opportunity. And when the rider crosses the finish line, and the race went smoothly, some students are almost certain of their degree.