Edvald Boasson Hagen targeting Paris-Roubaix success
Former Team Sky rider aiming to become king of the cobbles before the end of his career


The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to The Pick. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Edvald Boassan Hagen has made Paris-Roubaix his main aim for the season, and though he admits it is a 'lofty goal,' he says it could be the defining victory of his career.
The Norweigian left Team Sky at the end of 2014 to join African outfit MTN-Qhubeka in order to gain further leadership opportunities, and will now proceed with a full classics campaign as well as looking ahead to the Tour de France in July.
"The first objective is Paris-Roubaix," he told Biciclismo. "I know it's a lofty goal. It is the classic I like most because it is very hard, for both the course and the competition.
Winning is a great goal, but it must be so, because no-one remembers second or third. I would also be happy with a top 10, but my goal is to win in Roubaix and get a big win in my career."
Boasson Hagen's first one-day race will be at the semi-classic Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, before moving on to Milan-San Remo, which was won by the 27-year-old's teammate Gerald Ciolek in 2013. Competition for places at MTN has become greater since a number of high-profile sprint signings in the off-season, including Matt Gos, Tyler Farrar and Theo Boss, but Boasson Hagen believes there will be enough space for everyone to get their chance during the season.
"I want to have a good overall performance in all the classics, from San Remo to Roubaix," he said. "They are all events that are followed and it is important for me and the team to do well.
"I do not think it's a problem [having so many sprinters], it's about working well together and winning races. That is the main objective. I'm sure there are opportunities for everyone.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
-
Cycling keeps you fit but are you doing enough to stay healthy?
It’s possible to be very fit in one specific way, for example being fast on a bike, while being unhealthy in other ways
By Joe Laverick Published
-
Dr Hutch: Motor-doping isn't rife, there's no way cyclists would use it discreetly enough
Some fans think that motor-doping is rife, but Cycling Weekly's columnist Dr Hutch is having none of it
By Michael Hutchinson Published
-
Seven tech insights spotted at Paris-Roubaix 2023
From tyre pressure systems to old-school chainrings, here's what Cycling Weekly saw at the race
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers rider runs half marathon after finishing Paris-Roubaix
Cameron Wurf is a triathlete, so it's unfair really. He is not the first cyclist to dabble with trainers, however
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tweets of the week: Cobbles, barbecues, and what on earth is curry ketchup?
Strap in for our pre-Paris-Roubaix round-up of social media's finest
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Why goats are helping ready Paris-Roubaix's cobbles for spring
Cared for by a local charity, a herd of goats are enjoying their new duties in the Forest of Arenberg
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Winner Dylan van Baarle shares impressive Strava data from fastest-ever Paris-Roubaix
The Dutchman covered the 257.2km route in 5-37-00, winning with a powerful solo attack 19km from the finish line
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Is the Paris-Roubaix tubular dead? Why tubeless tyres are winning on the cobbles
The unique challenges of the Hell of the North place much emphasis on wheel selection. We talk to two teams and two wheel manufacturers about solving the problem that is Roubaix
By Luke Friend Last updated
-
Filippo Ganna to be given opportunities at Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix this year
Italian rouleur says he wants to prove he is more than "just" a time triallist and track specialist
By Adam Becket Published
-
Vincenzo Nibali to tackle Paris-Roubaix for first time in 2022
Italian is down to race all five monuments in 2022 for Astana-Qazaqstan
By Adam Becket Published