Edvald Boasson Hagen has signed a new three-year deal with Team Sky, keeping the star all-rounder at the British squad until 2014.
- Edvald Boasson Hagen outsprinted his rivals to win stage six of the 2011 Tour de France
Boasson Hagen joined Sky from HTC-Highroad ahead of their debut season in 2010 and with the reputation as one of cycling’s biggest talent.
And the 24-year-old fulfilled that potential with interest in 2011, winning two stages of the Tour de France and recording overall victories in the Eneco Tour stage race and the one-day Vattenfall Cyclassics.
Boasson Hagen had one year to run on his existing deal but Team Sky have moved quickly to secure his signature on an improved deal – and the Norwegian has highlighted Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix as his primary targets.
“I have enjoyed two great years at Team Sky and really enjoy being part of this team,” said Boasson Hagen. “I have some great team-mates here and the support staff are also fantastic. They have helped me improve a lot over the past two seasons and I hope they can help me get even better in the future.
“The Classics are going to be my main focus for the next few seasons. I would love to win a race like Milan-San Remo or Paris-Roubaix and I’ll be working hard to try and achieve those goals.
“There will be plenty of other opportunities to show what I can do in the next three years though and when I’m not going for wins myself I will be helping my team-mates out as much as I can.”
Boasson Hagen came of age at the 2011 Tour, opening his account on stage six with a sprint finish into Lisieux, before showing his versatility with a solo attack 12 days later on the mountain stage to Pinerolo, crossing the line 40 seconds ahead of his nearest breakaway rivals.
- The Norwegian also claimed an impressive solo victory on the mountain stage to Pinerolo
The five-time Norwegian time trial champion is expected to play a key role in Mark Cavendish’s leadout train but, when it comes to claiming individual victories, team principal Dave Brailsford insists the sky’s the limit for Boasson Hagen.
“Edvald is widely recognised as one of the most exciting talents in the pro peloton and we are delighted that he has chosen to stay with Team Sky for another three seasons,” said Brailsford.
“No-one quite knows yet where his true limits lie and we will continue to work tirelessly to support him to fulfil his potential.
“Not only is Edvald a huge talent on the bike, he matches that with his professionalism off it – he’s a pleasure to work with and a fantastic ambassador for both Team Sky and the Norwegian national team.”
