Carl Fredrik Hagen to Lead Israel – Premier Tech in Tour of Norway: “It Will Feel Like Winter Again to Some of Us”
Israel – Premier Tech’s Norwegian rider Carl Fredrik Hagen is set to be the team leader in his home race, the Tour of Norway. Hagen, who is excited about racing on home soil, describes the queen stage as “extremely challenging.” He did a recon ride of the stage before leaving for Hungary and notes that the 176-kilometer stage with three categorized climbs is very difficult.
Hagen also highlights the weather conditions, which will differ from what the riders have become accustomed to in Europe. During the recon ride, he encountered wintry conditions with frozen lakes and snow on the final climb. He states, “When I did my recon ride, I felt like I was back in the winter. The lakes around the route were frozen, and on top of the final climb there was snow.”
The final climb, 12 kilometers long with an average gradient of 8.2%, will play a crucial role in determining the general classification. Hagen anticipates significant differences between competitors in the general classification after stage 3. He hopes to work together with Patrick Bevin on that final climb to make a difference. Hagen believes that teamwork will be crucial in the last steep sections or the flatter top part of the climb.
Prior to the Tour of Norway, Bevin, who had recovered from a gastrointestinal infection, prioritized his recovery to ensure he is in top form for the race. The Israeli team will also include Daryl Impey, Mads Wurtz Schmidt, Corbin Strong, and Tom van Asbroeck.
