This Thursday, the cycling community heads north to the Arctic Circle, for the northernmost cycle ride in the world.

From the 8 to 11 August, the northern coast of Norway will play host to an international peloton, just a few weeks after the final participants in the Tour de France rolled over the cobbles of the Champs-Élysées.

The race consists of four stages, across fjords and peaks. The race starts above the Arctic Circle in the city of Bodø, and the first stage is almost 200km. The route clings to the spectacular coastline – with its characteristic peaky mountains – with the finish in the town of Harstad on 11 August.

Only the hardcore need apply.

For more information, see arctic-race.com