Interview with "Young Gun" Edvald Boasson Hagen
Thor Hushvod is he the "Old Edvald Boasson Hagen"
By Onderarms Van Petegem
Hi Edvald, congratulations on your birthday today. We hope you have a truly
wonderful day, with all your family and friends, after your success at
Thuringen. You really top and tailed that race with wins in the first and last
stage and a great performance in the time trial also, it was truly an impressive
performance. (Editors note: The interview was April 17th Edvalds birthday.)
Edvald on the top step Edvald won the first and
fifth stages finishing in third place on the general classification.
Edvald: Thanks for that, it was a real nice period.
Onderarms: Was Thuringen (And the two
Danish classics) your first season objectives?, (I'm sure you're pleased with
the outcome!!).
Edvald: Yeah, Thuringen is one of the only U23 stage
races we do with the team this year. So it was kind of an objective to me to see
where I stand compared with riders of the same age. It was as well important for
the team to see if they had taken a step further since last year. And they
really did, they was in great shape and performed a very good job to help me to
my wins.
Onderarms: What are your statistics,
height, weight, power at anaerobic threshold, and VO2max?
Hagen mounts his Celeste Bianchi.
Edvald:Ufff, Think I am 1m 81 with 75 kg The rest I
would have to ask my trainer for the info.
Onderarms: Do you have a strong track
background also, as you were the junior Norwegian champion in the 3000 metre
pursuit?
Edvald: Actually no. We don't have a decent track in
Norway. I competed once and got Norwegian Champion. No big deal really.
Onderarms: What was your personal best
(Time) in the 3000 metres pursuit; and if you concentrated on the track do you
think you could have been close to Michael Ford's 3:19:7 world record?
Edvald: I am sorry, but I really don't remember the
time. Track racing is unknown in Norway. The championships are on an open track
in the Trondheim area.
Onderarms: What type of rider do you see
yourself as in the future? You are still very young, so maybe too early too
specialize, but where do you think your strength on the road will be in the
future?
Edvald: Now I get the possibilities in Team Maxbo
Bianchi to explore all kinds of races. So far I like most ITT, I feel very
comfortable with it. But I feel good in the hills and on the cobbles too. I
think I am quite an all-round guy, what my specialty will be, we will find out
in the coming 2-3 years; and even then it can change.
Trophies and Jerseys for 2006 for the Maxbo/Bianchi
OVP: You have three teams
interested in you at the moment (So the rumour say!!), Rabobank, Quickstep and
Credit Agricole, have things progressed beyond the interest level?
Edvald: Yeah, some teams have shown interest. But
these are things I don't lie awake in the night about. I have it good with my
team, feel confident, and they are patient and there is no stress.
They have a good program and good people working with it. I also know all the
riders and the leaders. I know if I perform well, the big teams will stay
interested. Don't forget that I was a junior rider last year, so I have lots of
time.
OVP: Would you like to ride for
another year with Team Maxbo before you sign with one of these teams and
continue your development, or perhaps move on to the Rabobank development squad?
Edvald: I will certainly stay another year with Team
Maxbo Bianchi. What happens afterwards, I really don't know yet or no decisions
have been made yet. I want to concentrate on this season, it's my first in the
Elite class, and want to perform as good as possible.
OVP: Have you had any contact with Thor
Hushovd? (And his coach Atle Kvalsvoll), has he been able too give you some
advice, or maybe guide you a little?
Edvald: My trainer has some contact with Atle
Kvalsvoll. Personally I have never talked with neither Atle or Thor.
OVP: Were you impressed with your
competitors in Thuringen, Lars Boom and Will Walker (The Rabobank boys), Tony
Martin etc?!! It was some real potential heavy-weight's you we're up against.
Edvald: They are really strong guys with a lot
of experience. I was glad to be able to compete with them. It gives my results
an extra kick with those riders on the list.
OVP: What is remaining on your schedule
for this 2006 season?
Edvald: My team leader and my trainer want to take
it easy with me. I agree with them. Too many races can rather build down than
build up. Now, my next objective is Ringerike GP UCI 2.2 in Norway, followed by
the national championships. After that it is moving on to the European
Championships, where I will do both the ITT and the road race for Norway. After
a little break, we will see what fits best for me in the teams program to be in
best shape at the Worlds.
OVP: Is there any possibility of a
stagiare ride for one of the three teams aforementioned?
Edvald: Not yet, or not this year at least, maybe
next year.
OVP: Will you ride both the time-trial
and the road race at the under 23 World championships in Salzburg?
Edvald: If I get selected, yes. If I continue like
this, stay fit and don't get injured, I will certainly be qualified within the
qualifications rules of the Norwegian Federation.
OVP: Thank you so much for taking the
time Edvard, we wish you all the best of luck in your further career. Once again
we also like to wish you a truly Happy Birthday.
Edvald: Thanks
to you to!
We would also like to thank Gino Van Oudenhove,
Edvald's manager very helpful in arranging the interview.
Birth Date (Fødselsdato): 17 May 1987 (Age: 19)
Home town: Rudsbygd
Began Cycling (Begynnte med sykling) : 1995
Palmares (Meritliste)
2006
2nd Colliers Classic
2005
1. Stage Niedersachsen Rundfahrt (GER)
1. Stage Peace Race (CZE)
1. Stage Tour of Wales (GBR)
1. (x3) U6 Dagers (SWE)
1. Overall U6 Dagers (SWE)
1. Stage Danish Cup (DAN)
1. Norwegian Championships RR
1. Norwegian Championships TT
1. NC Grenland
1. NC Horten
2. Overall Niedersachsen Rundfahrt (GER)
2. Overall Tour of Wales (GBR)
2. Sollihull (GBR)
3. Stage Peace Race (CZE)
3. Stage Niedersachsen Rundfahrt (GER)
3. Norwegian Championships CT
4. Stage Peace Race (CZE)
6. World Championships TT (AUT)
8. Overall Peace Race (CZE)
12. World Championships RR (AUT)
Junior
1. Mountainclass. GP Patton (LUX)
1. Mountainclass. Ledegem-Kemmel-Ledegem (BEL)
1. Mountainclass. Trofee Vlaamse Ardennen (BEL)
1. Vrasene (BEL)
1. Norwegian Championships RR
1. Norwegian Championships 3000m
1. NC Horten
1. NC Mjøs
1. NC Eidsvoll
2. Norwegian Championships TT
2. Stage Peace Race (CZE)
2. NC Østfold
2. Norwegian Championships CT
3. Trofee Vlaamse Ardennen (BEL)
4. Ledegem-Kemmel-Ledegem (BEL)
5. Overall Peace Race (CZE)
14. World Championships TT (ITA)
23. World Championships RR (ITA)
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