Edvald Boasson Hagen: I will never get this opportunity again
Sep 20 2017 02:54 am CET
Photo of Edvald Boasson Hagen by Dimension Data/Nick Muzik
Edvald Boasson Hagen will be one of the favorites for the road race of the World Championships on Saturday, not only for being in his own country but also because of the shape he has shown in the latest races.
For the Norwegian rider this is a great opportunity and he believes that everything has been prepared for him to take the victory at the world championships for the first time after finishing in second place in 2012, behind Phillipe Gilbert.
Even the route of the road race seems to be designed for the strengths of Boasson Hagen. "It's not like I was asked what I wanted, but it seems like they looked at the qualities of us Norwegians," said the rider to Norwegian TV2. "The route fits me well and I'm better prepared than ever before.
"All the season has been about building up my shape towards Bergen. We have studied what's coming and simulated everything in training. That is something I've never done before."
After facing many problems and a lack of victories, the Norwegian has had a good season. "It was in the Tour of Norway that I started winning again. The biggest change is that now I dare to take the risks like I did before. Instead of trying to save myself and riding smart and careful to arrive to the bunch sprint, I've started to ride as I used to.
"I go early, take a chance and go away. I feel like I've begun to get everything back, that I've got stronger and more explosive. Then I have to trust myself and my instincts and ride accordingly."
The rider believes the European Championships, which were won by his fellow countryman Alexander Kristoff, were a good practice for what he wants to do in this race. "If I can't go away, possibly I won't have the power to succeed in a final sprint. So my goal is to succeed, to escape and cross the finish line on my own.
Boasson Hagen doesn't think he will have the energy to help Kristoff if the race comes down to a final sprint, but he will do everything to avoid this scenario. "I will never get this opportunity again. There are 200 men who want the champion jersey, but not as much as I do. I'm ready to give it all."
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