Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen will hang up the cleats at the end of 2024. The 37-year-old confirmed the news on Instagram on Wednesday. He told the Norwegian News Agency, Norsk Telegrambyrå, that, “It feels good to have made up my mind. There is a time for everything. I’ve felt that it’s okay to give up now, and I feel I’ve done and achieved a lot as a cyclist. I’m very happy with my career.”
Boasson Hagen said it will be fun to spend more time with his wife and daughter and follow her up even closer. “My wife and family have been very supportive all the way. And I’ve really been able to do what I wanted. Now it will be good to be at home for a while,” he said. “Not very sad, I’m very happy with what I’ve experienced. In addition, it is I myself who chooses to give up.”
A long career with big results
The Decathlon-AG2R rider has an impressive palmarès over his long career. He secured the overall victory twice at the Eneco Tour (2009, 2011) and claimed three stage wins at the Tour de France (2011, 2017). His one-day race successes include victories at GP Ouest France – Plouay (2012), Gent-Wevelgem (2009), and Vattenfall Cyclassics (2011). Boasson Hagen also excelled in stage races, winning the GC at the Tour of Norway three times (2012, 2013, 2017) and the Tour of Britain twice (2009, 2015). He also had five stage wins at the Critérium du Dauphiné and five at the Eneco Tour. Additionally, he won the Veenendaal-Veenendaal Classic (2010), two stages at Tirreno-Adriatico (2010, 2012), and eight stages at the Tour of Norway.
As far as what’s next, he’s taking it day by day.
“I have invested a little in real estate and will continue to do so. Otherwise, I’m open to whatever may come. I want to enjoy life,” he said.
He wasn’t even sure if he would race in 2024, but managed to get a contract with the French team in January for one last go in the sport.
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