Trondheim-Oslo cycling event cancelled after road authority rejection

The traditional long-distance cycling event Styrkeprøven—a 540-kilometre race from Trondheim to Oslo—has been cancelled this year after Norway’s road authority rejected the organisers’ application, Dagbladet reports.

In a statement, the organisers called the decision “extremely difficult,” expressing sympathy for participants who had booked travel, accommodation, and trained for over a year. “What weighs heaviest is letting down those who’ve prepared so long,” said Terje Myklebust, chair of the event’s board, noting that international riders, including from Japan, had registered.

The rejection, issued on 6 May, follows years of escalating costs, stricter safety demands, and what organisers describe as disproportionate requirements compared to similar events. “We lack time to appeal—this came too late, while our expenses keep rising and participants remain in limbo,” Myklebust said.

First held in 1967, Styrkeprøven—billed as the world’s oldest and longest recreational cycling race—has only been cancelled twice before, during the 2020–2021 pandemic. Over 800 riders had signed up for this year’s 20–21 June event, with shorter routes from Lillehammer and Eidsvoll also affected. Organisers had expected even higher participation in the coming weeks.

Criticising the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s process and findings, the organisers vowed to “keep fighting for Styrkeprøven’s future.” The application, submitted in December, faced objections over policing costs, extended security measures, and heightened oversight during the race.