A Scandinavian Treasure | Pas Normal Studios

No matter what part of the world you go to with your bike, there's always a chance of finding the “local classic".

In France, it's impossible to miss La Marmotte. Italy has its own equivalents in Maratona de Dolomites and Gran Fondo Stelvio. But what happens when you shy away from high mountain passes, famous alpine climbs and head north for Scandinavia?

We followed a group of riders from Pas Normal Studios to the Danish spring classic, Grejsdalsløbet, to experience the race at first hand.

5.30 am. Preparing for the race.

Green cycling jerseys with white and yellow text detailing laid on bed

Model wearing purple cycling shorts with white leg band featuring number 60 and text

Black road bike with aerodynamic wheels leaning against brick wall in sunlit indoor space

Grejsdalsløbet has its start and finish in Vejle, 250 kilometres from Copenhagen, and is set in the bottom of the archipelago nestled in between lush green forests and wide open fields. The thing you don't experience by looking at a map of Vejle is the never-ending amount of short and punchy hills making the area a tough combatant on race day.

6.30 am. Rolling off to the start of the race.

Model wearing green cycling vest and burgundy shorts with time trial bike on urban street

Cyclists in racing position on forest road, wearing burgundy and teal jerseys with white helmets

Group of cyclists in aerodynamic position riding on coastal mountain road in formation

With the race being set in Denmark there are no long climbs. No high mountain passes. Instead, there's no shortage of 500-1500 metre climbs, that will slowly wear out most riders and define the group of select riders that will be in front of the 220-kilometre race.

7.28 am. Final moments before the start.