The 2023 Arna Westfjords Way Challenge | Fjallakofinn Stage Three
73 toed the start line on day one, but the relentless weather weeded them out one by one. Between ride-ending mechanicals and sheer exhaustion from battling the cold and wind for hours on end, Iceland threw it all at us this year. Stage 3 is a big push - this is where the real ‘ultra’ mentality comes in, since there’s one long stretch with no resupply. The days really do just keep getting tougher.
The day was all about getting it done. The men’s lead group stayed tight for the entire day and battled the wind together. In the women’s category, leaders broke off into groups and tried out different strategies. The race was getting tighter, and a much-needed rest day was just on the horizon, but not before a quick stop at Birkimelur hot pot, where we served up a taste of true Icelandic pool culture - a soak, a chat, and a pool-side coffee from Kaffitar.
A huge thanks to Fjallakofinn for their Stage 3 support, including the pop-up shop during our adventure/ rest day in Patreksfjörður.
Film and edit by Haraldsson Production