Torild Aminda Aglen from Otterøy in Trøndelag participated in the big Styrkeprøven in both 2019 and 2022. It was two completely different experiences.

In 2019, Torild was inexperienced and unaware of Styrkeprøven . Through TVK (Trondhjems Velocipedklub), she, along with 20 others, got to join a 19-hour team.

– And I am very happy about that. As an inexperienced person, I received invaluable help and support, she says.

Torild and the ambitious team worked hard from start to finish, also during the breaks, and finally reached the finish line in 21:10.

– A fantastic experience. That feeling when you cross the finish line for the first time, you just have to experience it, she says enthusiastically.

– We even stopped at Espa and bought some buns

For the next two years, the corona pandemic put an end to Styrkeprøven , to Torild’s dismay.

– I was very disappointed in 2021 after keeping the pressure up, she admits.

But in 2022 she could finally stand on the starting line again. This time with an experienced grandfather and his grandson. They should not stress about time, but rather enjoy the ride as a trip.

– The goal was the goal, and we managed it at the last minute, after many long breaks to keep up, says the 57-year-old.

She describes the trip as a fun experience, where she took plenty of time to take in everything that happened around her.

Together with his traveling companions, there were, among other things, many and long pee breaks, in addition to a sausage and cake party at Kvam and half an hour in the hothouse at Brøttum.

– We even stopped at Espa and bought buns, as we got tired of dry baguettes eventually, and we had to have coffee.

Although optimally she would have cycled a little faster the last time, she thinks it was fun to experience Styrkeprøven from two sides.

– It is the community on training trips that counts

For Torild, exercise is a large and important part of everyday life.

– Cycling gives me exercise, a sense of mastery, fresh air, joy and well-being, she says, and adds:

– It is the community on training trips that counts.

– What’s the funnest thing about riding a bicycle then?

– All the little experiences along the way together and alone, the unpredictability, the excitement and crossing the finish line. In addition to nice people along the way.

She says that she loves to feel the weather on two wheels. Steadfastness, endurance and speeding far in a short time.

– You get far by bike, especially in good weather, she says.

Agree with the rule change

Before this year’s race, a ban on follow-up cars was introduced in Styrkeprøven for all participants, in all starting pools and at all distances. The main reason for this was traffic safety.

Torild believes it was right to make this change.

– There was less traffic and the same for everyone, she says.

She believes that the ban has led to a lot of undeserved criticism.

– People pretend to believe that it is Styrkeprøven that determines traffic rules in this country, she says a little disappointed, and adds:

– Actually, we should be grateful that someone has the energy to facilitate this opportunity that we have, where absolutely everything is arranged and thought of. I understand that many people want to cycle fast, but then it must be according to the current rules, and the conditions will naturally change from year to year.