Birkebeiner sells out in record time

By Andreas Radtke

The world's biggest mountain bike race, the Birkebeinerrittet in Norway, set a registration record when it opened on November 30 at 9:00 am local time. 6,000 places were taken in just 66 seconds, beating last year's record. At 9:05, the waiting list contained 6,300 disappointed cyclists.

These first 6,000 places were open to any Norwegian cyclists. Additional registration slots will go to cyclists who have participated five times or more, sponsors and foreigners. Usually, more than 15,000 racers participate in the annual event. Another 3,000 race the day before in the Birken, which was started for those who do not get slots in the main race.

The next Birkebeinerrittet is scheduled for August 29, 2009. For more information, visit www.birkebeiner.no.