Boasson Hagen leaps to third in UCI World Ranking

Edvald Boasson Hagen (Columbia-HTC) has jumped up to third overall in the Union Cycliste Internationale's latest World Ranking, published on Monday.

The Norwegian earned enough points by winning two stages and the overall at the Eneco Tour to jump up to third in the rankings behind leader Alberto Contador (Astana) and second-placed Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank).

Boasson Hagen has also won a stage of the Giro d'Italia, two stages of the Tour of Poland and Ghent-Wevelgem this year, giving him a total of 322 points in the UCI ranking. Tour de France winner Contador has 527 points, and Schleck 334 points.

Britain's Mark Cavendish (Columbia-HTC) has slipped one place to fifth, with 304 points.

The ranking is compiled using a points system, with points awarded for one-day race, tour stage and stage race overall finishing positions for events in the UCI's World Calendar.

Cycling Weekly believes that Boasson Hagen may play a key role in the new British-based Sky squad. His all-round ability in one-day and stage races, as well as time trials, would be an asset to any team and several squads are likely to have been chasing his signature. The Sky squad's line-up is due to be officially announced in the coming weeks.

UCI World Ranking: Top ten

1. Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana 527 points

2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Saxo Bank 334

3. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Columbia-HTC 322

4. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas 310

5. Mark Cavendish (GB) Columbia-HTC 304

6. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 295

7. Allan Davis (Aus) Quick Step 249

8. Andreas Kloden (Ger) Astana 232

9. Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto 219

10. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 218

Related links

Edvald Boasson Hagen: Rider Profile

Boasson Hagen wins Eneco Tour

Cycling Weekly's Rider Profiles: Index

Team Sky: As it happens

Contador tops world ranking, Cavendish fourth (28 August 2009)