Per Strand Hagenes lays bare his ultimate career goal - Following in the footsteps of teammate Wout Van Aert

Per Strand Hagenes may have won just his first race since 2023 at Monday's Antwerp Port Epic, but the 22-year-old Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider has lofty ambitions in what has been an impressive season for the Norwegian that included a podium finish in a top spring classic.

Returning from a frustrating injury that sidelined the second half of his 2025 season, Strand Hagenes has impressed since making his return at the Tour Down Under followed by a string of one-day races that have seen him realise his potential after a confidence-rattling period off the bike.

And speaking in victory, Strand Hagenes laid bare his greater career goals. Inspired by his teammate Wout Van Aert, he sees Paris Roubaix as a race that not only suits him, but one he dreams of someday winning - like Van Aert's remarkable victory last month.

But during an Autumn and Winter marred by sinus issues, Strand Hagenes questioned if he would return to form and is thankful that he could get back up to speed quickly.

“Last year was certainly terrible,” he told Wielerflits. “From the Dauphiné in June, I started struggling with my sinuses. So after that, I didn’t race again until the Tour Down Under this year. I think the team was also wondering: if he returns, what will his level be like? It’s nice to see that I’ve improved quickly since I started racing. I was surprised myself that I was back up to speed so fast.”

He's glad he got to seize an opportunity in Antwerp, a flat classic featuring gravel and cobble sections - perfect for a rider of his capabilities: “You are confident that it will come back at some point, but you would rather it happen as soon as possible. Also, there aren't necessarily a truckload of opportunities left this season for my type of rider. When you get a chance like that, it is very nice that you manage to seize it in Antwerp. Even though this might not be the absolute biggest race.”

It's not the first time this season he's showed promise. He claimed second place at E3 Saxo Classic as one of the key instigators of the chase behind eventual winner Mathieu Van Der Poel. The result gave him confidence that his return was complete.

“When you can finish on the podium in a race like that, you know you’re completely back. That gave me a boost,” Hagenes said. “Combined with being a year older and smarter, and having more knowledge of training, I am gradually taking the step towards the level I want to reach.”

As part of Visma | Lease a Bike, Strand Hagenes has seen Van Aert and Jonas Vingegaard return from crashes and injuries to claim career-defining victories. He knows the standard is high and he has more experience to gain but has set the bar higher in what he wants to achieve: a win in Paris Roubaix - like Van Aert.

“That is motivating. In any case, it is nice to ride with the best riders in the world and see them shine. That shows that the team is smart, innovative, and that the training is of a high standard. I have a good relationship with my Norwegian trainer.”

He admitted: “I make no secret of the fact that winning Paris-Roubaix is ​​also my long-term goal. If I succeed in that goal at some point in my career, it will be a great success. Today I am still winning at a different level, but that is merely a good experience.”