Does Jumbo-Visma have the new Van Aert with top talent Hagenes? "Tour of Flanders is my favorite race!"

Per Hagenes is recognized as one of the most promising cycling talents in the current peloton. The 20-year-old Norwegian joined the Jumbo-Visma development team in 2022, with hopes of becoming a key figure in the world of classics. He shared his ambitions ahead of the Super 8 Classic (formerly Primus Classic) with IDLProCycling.com.

A glance at Hagenes' impressive list of achievements reveals his versatility as a rider. In 2020, his debut racing year, he clinched victory in both the road race and the time trial at the Norwegian Junior Championships. The following year, he repeated his triumph in the Norwegian road race and secured a silver medal in the time trial. This young talent, representing the Norwegian national team, left a mark in various junior races, displaying his ability to win both solo and from reduced group sprints. As the cherry on top, he claimed second place at the European Cycling Championships in late 2021, followed by a triumphant victory at the World Cycling Championships in Leuven just two weeks later. Hagenes quickly gained recognition in the cycling world, and his remarkable achievements extended to Paris-Roubaix, his final race of that year, where he briefly occupied the third position as the reigning world champion.

Stage victory in Four Days of Dunkirk was personal highlight of 2023 for Hagenes

Yes, I can really speak of a top season," the Northern European said in Brakel, immediately after the start presentation of the Jumbo-Visma septet. "Although sometimes I also had to deal with some lesser moments, since things did not always go well in the races," he refers mainly to the somewhat disappointing Tour de l'Avenir. "But of course the good results stand out. All in all, I can speak of a successful year." If he had to choose, his handsome triumph in the Four Days of Dunkirk is Hagenes' personal highlight. "That was a really tasty victory. I still like to think back to it."

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Hagenes after his victory in the Tour of Drenthe

"Yes, I can truly say it's been a fantastic season," the Northern European remarked in Brakel, right after the Jumbo-Visma team presentation. "Although, at times, I did have to contend with some tough moments when things didn't go quite as planned in races," he mainly referred to the somewhat underwhelming Tour de l'Avenir. "But of course, the good results shine through. All in all, I can consider it a successful year." If he had to pick a favorite moment, Hagenes highlighted his impressive victory in the Four Days of Dunkirk. "That was an incredibly satisfying win. I still fondly reminisce about it."

Hagenes hopes to compete with the best in the (near) Tour of Flanders

In 2024, Hagenes will complete a full season at the WorldTour level, which means he will be competing alongside the big names of Jumbo-Visma. It's natural to expect that Hagenes might find this a bit daunting. However, the cheerful young man himself doesn't seem too concerned. "I've already had some experience racing with the elite men this year, so I think that will make a difference. I do believe the transition will be smooth, so that's a reassuring feeling. Besides, I'm genuinely looking forward to it!" enthused Hagenes.

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Hagenes on his way to stage victory in the fifth stage of the Four Days of Dunkirk

According to Hagenes, the Jumbo-Visma team has plans for him, but they are also cautious about rushing his development. "I have a strong interest in focusing on the classics in the future. If I could participate in the Belgian classics next year, that would be fantastic. My long-term goal is to compete at the highest level in races like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Gent-Wevelgem, and the Tour of Flanders, especially since these are my favorite races," he explained. So, only time will tell if Jumbo-Visma has "a new Wout van Aert" on their hands. On September 22, Hagenes will already have the opportunity to compete against his Flemish teammate as he represents Norway at the European Cycling Championships in Drenthe.