The Arctic Race of Norway is more than a Thor Hushovd (BMC Racing Team) one-man-show. The Norwegian hero lost the lead in Stokmarnes only twenty-four hours after taking it in Svolvær as time bonus promoted stage 1 winner Kenny van Hummel (Vacansoleil) who bounced back in the blue-orange jersey because of finishing second behind young super talent Nikias Arndt.

The 21-year-old German won the first race of his pro career in Norway and demonstrated that his Argos-Shimano team and his country have more in store in the sprinters’ category after the fabulous Tour de France of four-time stage winner Marcel Kittel.

“It was really, really hard today,” Nikias Arndt said after the finish. “We had a plan for the finish but we changed it with 5km to go and we gave everything. My team was unbelievably strong and gave me a perfect lead out. That’s why it was possible to beat Thor Hushovd today. I got a bit of luck as well. As we crossed the line, we didn’t know who had won. I said that I was in the top 3 for sure but I had no idea at which place. We had to come back to the line and ask. As the officials told us that I had won, I celebrated with my team-mates. This is a fantastic feeling. I love racing here, with the view over the sea and sunny weather conditions like this. Now I’m asked if I’m the new Marcel Kittel, it’s a good question but I don’t think so. To sprint against Marcel is something crazy. For now, I’m very proud that I can win a stage at the Arctic Race and maybe I can get a second chance tomorrow. At Argos-Shimano, we have a lot of young guys who can sprint and lead out. We’ll go to the Vuelta without Marcel or John Degenkolb, but it’ll be Jonas [Ahlstrand], Roman [Sinkeldam] and myself.”