World Cup in Scandinavia?

The organizers of Scandinavian Open, the only Swedish men's elite race on the European Tour calendar, plans to apply for a World Cup race for women next year.

"We have the means to organize a World Cup event," said race organizer Hans Jönsson. "The parcours is good and the organization is strong. And we would run a 140 km event instead of the usual 110-120 kilometres."

Last year, women's world champion Susanne Ljungskog was permitted to race in the men's 1.5 race and lasted the distance, finishing in the second group. Susanne said she is delighted about the idea of a Swedish World Cup race. "It would be a dream come true to ride a World Cup race on home roads," she said, hoping that it will once again in the rainbow jersey.

The Scandinavian Open weekend is developing to a cycling festival for the whole area. It starts with the tour ride Scandinavia on Thursday, August 11, followed by the elite men's Scandinavian Open GP Criterium in the central parts of the co-hosting town of Alingsås on Friday. Saturday offers the Vårgårda GP for women's elite plus youth categories from juniors and down. On Sunday, the Scandinavian Open will finish the four day festival.