The 1900 meters long swim leg will follow the shore along the famous Aurlandsfjorden. The water temperature is expected to be between 13 and 18° and you will safely by be accompanied by kayaks.
The start will be at the public beach in Aurland, a beautiful laguna-shaped sand beach, perfectly suited for fast water entry, and exit! You will swim straight out for 300m, then turn right and swim along the shore, before you once again turn right after 1000 meters, and return the same way a bit closer to land.
The 94 km bike leg is extremely hard with a total elevation of more than 3050 meters. Starting in village of Aurland, you immediately start the steep climb towards the top at 1320 meters above sea level. Then, after the steep drop down to the fjord at the village of Erdal, you turn around, and must once again tackle the steep and long hills back to Aurland. This famous and narrow mountain route offers unparalleled views of some of the most spectacular fjord landscapes in the world.
Drafting will be permitted during the climbs - which basically means most of the time! Time trial (triathlon) bikes is permitted, although perhaps not recommended for this event... We will have a drink/food station at the highest point of the mountain.
Aurlandsdalen is one of the most famous valleys in Norway. It is a steep, narrow and wild valley with an old history. It is a very nice weekend-tour and it is also possible to connect it with a hike in the Nationalpark Hardangervidda or in Skarvheimen.
The run leg starts with an easy but dramatic 5-6 km along the old road outside the tunnel to Vassbygdi (50 meters above sea level). From here on, you will follow a narrow track for about 16-17 km, rising more than 1100 meters. The path will take you through arguably the most beautiful one-day hike in Norway. The athletes are expected to use around 2.5-5 hours on this part through the dramatic and breathtaking scenery towards the final destination: Østerbø.
Note that the course follows the river the entire valley (not Bjørnstigen).