OUR AMBASSADORS: OLE CHRISTIAN MYRMEL

Today we introduce to you Ole Christian Myrmel, ambassador of the Giro delle Dolomiti from Norway.

From which country/city are you writing us? Where do you usually go cycling?

I am writing from Kristiansand in Norway, which is a city in the south, in the Agder region. There are many beautiful coastal roads with little traffic here, and also mountainous roads in the northern part of the region.

What meaning has cycling in your country? Sport, commuting, infrastructures for cyclist, tourism…

Cycling is a very popular sport here with perhaps the most known Norwegian cyclist Thor Hushovd. He is from a neighbour city which is not far away. However, as the winter can be harsh many cyclists prefer cycle inside and travel to Spain for training camps. The bike is also widely used for commuting, even in the winter (with spikes). Cycling is seen as part of the solution to the climate changes in Norway, so the government and communities are constantly working on the cycling roads.

How many years did you take part of the Giro delle Dolomiti?

2 times I have participated before, 2018/2019.

How would you define the Giro delle Dolomiti in three key words?

Social, picturesque and well-organized!

What do you find unique in the Dolomites, UNESCOs Heritage?

Certainly, it is the mountains that “suddenly” arises up from the ground, and also there are so many sky-high mountain passes that can offer you anything you want, from skiing, hiking, social events or just solitude.

What do you think about the Giro format, that is a balanced combination of timed and controlled speed sections with road closed to traffic?

I think this is the best way to organize races in the mountains, as it is a safer way when compared to letting people compete in the downhills!

Out of all the stages you have been cycling in the past years, which one is your favourite? And which Dolomite Pass have you never done and would like to try?

Sella Ronda is the most beautiful stage, I think. I’d like to try Passo Giau, it looks so beautiful and is very high.

On average, how many km do you cycle per year?

I think about 10 000.

5 August 2020

2021-04-09T17:42:53+02:00