Jørn Arve Pedersen from Skogn is constantly referred to as the “King of Jotunheimen” on social media. And it is not without reason. The fit Trønder participated in the Jotunheimen Round as early as 1998.

– I cycled for nine years in a row before some hip problems put me out of action for a few years, he says, and adds:

– Then it’s been a while again, with the exception of one year when I wore a plaster cast due to a broken hand.

Now he is ready for the tough ride once more.

– Jotunheimen Rundt has simply become a part of me, which I have to get up to and complete every year. I’m generally not very good on downhills, but I mostly have good legs in the mountains around my home.

Tips

As a super experienced JR cyclist, we have asked Jørn if he can share his very best tips. He did so with pleasure.

Here is his best advice:

1. The most important thing for me is to have enough hours on the seat before I start. Be it out on the country road, spinning bike or on CX.
2. Clothing is always difficult, as it usually fluctuates a lot during a trip. Then the system with the transport of luggage to the stations is absolutely superb (apart from last year).
3. As for nutrition along the way, I use Herbalife Prolong on the bottles, and some Sognemorr to eat to get some salt. Also has some gel, which is consumed regularly.
4. The best tip I have for those who have not ridden before is to start relatively calmly up Filefjell and Valdresflye. The big test starts from Lom. And not least, you should have some left for Hafslobakken after Gaupne. Then you are mentally prepared to be at the finish line soon, and on the track profile the hill looks like a speed bump. The truth is that it is exactly 8 km long from the exit of the tunnel, and rises to almost 400 m above sea level. From there on, it’s just flow and enjoyment.