From Norwegian Champion to World Contender: The Rise of Time Trial Cyclist Arvid Johannesen Jr.
Last weekend, at just 46 years old, Arvid Johannesen Jr. became the Norwegian national champion in time trial cycling. "The margins are small, but everything clicked for me on that day," says the cyclist, who is now training for a bigger goal: a medal at the World Championships.
For the past five years, Johannesen, from Alversund, Norway, has been cycling competitively, but his dedication to training spans a lifetime. At the National Masters Championship in Rauma last Sunday, his hard work paid off with a first-place finish.
"I got a return on many years of hard work," says Arvid. He explains that the "arctic time trial" course, with its flat and fast profile, was a perfect fit for his riding style.
A New Course Record
Arvid completed the 30-kilometer course, which started and finished in Åndalsnes, in a blistering 38 minutes and 2 seconds. The previous course record was 38 minutes and 47 seconds.
"It was incredibly fast," he says. "This is a course where you start hard and maintain full pressure the entire way. I held an average speed of almost 47 km/h—I've never cycled that fast before."
His national title qualifies the 46-year-old for both the Nordic Championships and the World Championships. He has chosen to skip the Nordic event to prioritize a family vacation.
"I'm dropping Nordics and prioritizing a vacation with my family instead," he says. "Then I'm focusing on competing in the World Championships in Denmark this September."
His family's vacation destination happens to be Denmark, where he plans to preview the World Championship course.
Targeting a World Championship Medal
When asked about his goal for the World Championships, Arvid is clear.
"A flat course in Denmark suits me very well, and the World Championship has been my big goal this year," he says. "I'm aiming for the win, but a lot has to go right for me to succeed."
Like many cycling fans, Arvid is currently glued to his TV, following the cyclists in the Tour de France. But he doesn't just watch—he puts in his own daily training.
He cycles every day, mixing long-distance rides with shorter, high-intensity sessions. He typically trains in the Nordhordland region, often riding through Skjelanger, Radøy, and Austrheim, as well as into the city.
Balancing Training with Family and Life
For Arvid, who is a self-employed business owner, managing his training schedule around family life is a priority.
"I train an average of 2 hours per day, or 12-18 hours per week," he says. "I often train in the mornings before the kids wake up or in the evenings after they've gone to bed."
He also has a stationary trainer set up in his garage, which allows him to train at home while his wife, a nurse, is at work. "It's all about planning well," he says.
His two sons also enjoy cycling, and he hopes to be a good role model for them. The whole family supports his passion, often cheering him on at races.
