Edvald Boasson Hagen was left without a contract after not being able to renew with
TotalEnergies for the 2024 season. However, the Norwegian not only has found a new team but returns to the World Tour several years later with Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale.
The Norwegian, now 36-years of age, is one of the most experienced classics riders in the peloton, and is also quality lead-out man or sprinter on his best day, despite having passed the climax of his career many years ago. A pro since 2006, he has 40 monuments and 17 Grand Tours under his belt, and is expected to be an important rider in Sam Bennet's leadout, although the team believe the classics will be where he will be key.
“I am really happy to have had the opportunity to join the
Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team. It is part of the history of cycling and it is a very solid team," Boasson Hagen said in a press release. "I am coming to strengthen the spring classics group with the aim of serving the team in order to achieve the best possible results. I also want to pass on all my experience to the younger riders and achieve one last professional victory."
Team manager Vincent Lavenu is happy with what was a strong signing for the French team: "It’s a great opportunity for the team to integrate Edvald Boasson Hagen. Edvald has great experience and has achieved many successes," he said. "I have been following him since he was an amateur where he was already one step ahead of the other competitors. His mission is very clear: he strengthens the classics group. His experience will be valuable in placing our leaders at the right time but also during the mass sprints where he will be able to lead Sam Bennett's train in the last kilometers of the race."
