Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka) had an incredible end to the Tour of Norway today when despite crashing, he sprinted to victory on the final stage and thereby also took the overall win in his home race.
Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka started out Sunday’s last stage knowing that if Boasson Hagen could make the podium in the final sprint, and race leader Pieter Weening (Roompot) didn’t, then the Norwegian would win the race overall. With this in mind, Boasson Hagen’s team kept control of the stage, always keeping the breakaway within reach.
As the riders took on the final circuit in Oslo, a strong headwind made it even more difficult for the break to stay away. On a hilly circuit, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka did a great job setting up Boasson Hagen for the sprint. However, it turned out to be much more stressful than expected as first Mekseb Debesay and then Boasson Hagen crashed on the circuit and had to change bikes.
Ultimately, it all worked out perfectly as both riders made it back to the pack and Boasson Hagen outsprinted Simon Gerrans (Orica-Scott) to win the stage and take 10 bonus seconds, which handed him the overall win as well. With two stage wins and two additional podium places, Boasson Hagen also topped the points classification.
Alex Sans Vega – Directeur Sportif: “The team has been incredible all week and again today. Every rider gave his all for our common goal. With a strong headwind at the end, it was difficult for anybody to attack. We went 100 % for the sprint with Edvald [Boasson Hagen] and he proved to be the fastest. It’s really amazing to win Tour of Norway with our local hero here in his hometown”.
