Edvald Boasson Hagen and Mark Cavendish up climb, Tour de France 2012, stage one recce ride

Edvald Boasson Hagen carried the torch for Team Sky in last year's Tour de France after Bradley Wiggins was forced out with injury.



But with the team again focusing on Wiggins this year, the Norwegian champion has to pick his moments if he is to get his chance of Tour glory. In the race's first road stage to Seraing today he did exactly that and was able to 'freestyle' off others and place third.

Boasson Hagen missed the wheels of Cancellara and Sagan when they escaped on the final climb, but put in a powerful burst to bridge the gap with 500m to go. 

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

Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.