Kurt-Asle Arvesen, stage winner

KURT-ASLE ARVESEN

Date of birth: 09/02/1975

From: Molde, Norway

Team: Sky

Previous teams: Saxo Bank (2004-2009); Team Fakta (2001-2003), Amica Chips (2000), Riso Scotti (1999), Asics (1998)

Kurt-Asle Arvesen career profile

Since joining CSC six years ago, Kurt-Asle Arvesen has carved out a role as one of the most respected and reliable domestiques in the business.

His talent was clear from an early age, as he took the rainbow jersey in 1997, winning the U23 world championship road race ahead of Oscar Freire.

After a tentative first few years learning the ropes in Italy, Arvesen's first big win came at the 2003 Giro d'Italia, when he won an early stage in the colours of modest Scandinavian squad Fakta. Having caught the eye of wealthier suitors, he made the switch to CSC at the end of the season.

On Bjarne Riis's team, he was often employed as a super-domestique for the squad's leaders in the big races. Nevertheless, Arvesen has consistently finished in the upper reaches of the results.

He has great versatility, possessing a decent sprint, while still being equally at home in the hills or on the cobbles.

The Scandinavian seems to get better with age, with his best results coming in the last couple of years. A second Giro d'Italia stage win arrived in 2007.

After several strong finishes in one-day races - including second in Paris-Tours - the 34-year-old claimed semi-classic E3 Prijs Vlaanderen last April. In his best year to date, the likeable Saxo Bank rider also took his first Tour de France stage in Foix.

After a lengthy stint with Saxo Bank, Arvesen heads to Team Sky for 2010. His experience, versatility and strength make him a valuable asset for the new British team.

Kurt-Asle Arvesen results



2009

National road race championship

2008

E3 Prijs Vlaanderen

National road race championship

Tour de France; stage eleven

Tour of Poland; stage one TTT

2007

GP Herning

Giro d'Italia; stage eight

Tour of Denmark; stage three

Tour of Denmark; overall

2006

Ster Elektrotoer; overall

National time-trial championship

Vuelta a Espana; stage one TTT

2004

Aarhus GP

Tour of Denmark; overall

2003

Giro d'Italia; stage ten

2002

Tour of Sweden; overall

Tour of Denmark; stage three

National road race championships

2001

National time-trial championships

Herald Sun Tour; stage nine

1998

National road race championships

1997

National road race championships

U23 world-road race championships, San Sebastian

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