Robbert de Groot expects big things at classics from Per Strand Hagenes: "Per has a big engine and a killer instinct"

With many talented youngsters flowing into Visma | Lease a Bike's roster ahead of 2024 season, many are curious to see how this young generation will perform at the arguably world's best team at the moment. Speaking to Sporza, head of development Robbert de Groot analyzes one of the two Norwegians set to make their World Tour debut - Per Strand Hagenes.

"I see Per as a classic rider who should be able to perform very well in races such as Paris-Roubaix, the Tour of Flanders and by extension the entire Flemish spring," he begins. "But Per can also develop into a very good rider who for smaller stage races. Perhaps to ride a classification in the future and certainly to win stages."

"Per already won a number of competitions of a decent level last year in Dunkerque, Münsterland and Drenthe. It was interesting to see that this was always in harsh weather conditions in Münsterland and Drenthe. That is apparently also something that suits him."

"We will certainly see Per at the classics this spring. Whether that is immediately in a winning, dominant or supporting role will be decided in the preparation for those races. In any case, Per has a big engine and a killer instinct. He is not fast enough to win a bunch sprint. But I would not ride to the finish with him in a small group, because then he can make a big move."