Alexander Kristoff will become race director of the Tour of Norway from 1 June, with the appointment confirmed by organiser Fjords Cycling across social media. Kristoff, who retired from professional racing in 2025, had been serving as the race's ambassador earlier this year.
His new role is aimed at rebuilding the event after the 2026 edition was cancelled in December when the Norwegian government withdrew state funding from the race budget.
"Tour of Norway has been a highlight throughout my active career, especially when we raced in Stavanger, on home" Kristoff said. "We have a unique race in fantastic surroundings, with crowds along the route, which we will work hard to bring back in 2027. I look forward to being part of the team that organizes Tour of Norway."
Kristoff won 22 stages of the race between 2013 and 2024, making him one of the event's most decorated riders. His appointment was announced in the week before the dates the 2026 edition would have been held, with the race originally scheduled for 28–31 May.
The cancellation followed the Norwegian parliament's decision to remove a dedicated state contribution from the national budget. Organiser Roy Hegreberg said in an official statement in December 2025 that the funding cut left no financial basis to continue planning. "This came like a bolt from the blue, and there has been little willingness to dialogue with us," he said. The race's budget had been roughly 1.7 million euros, with state funding covering about half that figure.
Tour of Norway holds 2.Pro status, one tier below the WorldTour, and organisers had been running both men's and women's editions. The women's race had been due to step up from 2.1 to 2.Pro and add an extra stage before plans were shelved. Fjords Cycling, which is owned by volunteer cycling clubs, said it lacked the capital to sustain the event without public funding.
Hegreberg said organisers would use 2026 to build a foundation for a return. "We will do everything we can to ensure that this is only a temporary setback, not the end of Tour of Norway," he said. No new funding package has been announced. Kristoff starts on 1 June.
Cover image credit: Christopher Lanaway/SWpix.com
