OSLO — Sven Erik Bystrøm took his first victory in UAE Team Emirates colors by winning the Norwegian National Road Race Championships. Bystrøm took the win in an emphatic photo finish from Jonas Iversby Hvideberg (Uno-X) in a three-man sprint to the line.

Working together with his teammate Alexander Kristoff, the former under-23 world champion Bystrøm built up a gap of over 1’ on the chasing group behind, before beating his fellow escapees in the dash for the line. Kristoff led home a chasing group to claim 6th place, 1’22’’ behind.

Bystrøm said: “For me it was a special win. I have been 2nd before and the difference from winning is huge. I’m really happy to be on the top of the podium again. Also I want to thank Alex Kristoff for the way he was riding. We shared the work and we were able to bring home another national champion jersey to our team.”

Results: 1. Sven Erik Bystrøm (UAE Team Emirates) 5:02:41; 2. Jonas Iversby Hvideberg (Uno-X) “; 3. Carl Fredrik Hagen (Lotto Soudal) “; 6. Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) 1’22’’. — SG