Rough diamond Hagenes (20) polishes himself, impressing team management Jumbo-Visma
CyclingWednesday, 04 October 2023 at 12:44
A new day brought a fresh victory for Jumbo-Visma in the hotly contested Sparkassen Münsterland Giro. The Dutch team secured the win after being part of the leading group of ten riders, with three of their own. Per Strand Hagenes clinched his third victory of the season, following the Tour of Drenthe and a stage in the Four Days of Dunkirk. IDLProCycling.com spoke with him and team leader Grischa Niermann after the race.
We can best describe the barely 20-year-old Norwegian as a composed and confident individual. As a member of the Jumbo-Visma U23 team, he has already had a taste of the big leagues multiple times this year. However, his professional victory count has now reached three. In Germany on Tuesday, he found himself in the company of some formidable riders within the leading group, including European champion and teammate Christophe Laporte, former world champion Mads Pedersen, and Vuelta green jersey winner Kaden Groves.
"It was motivating to ride with them. If Christophe hadn't encouraged me to attack, I might not have even considered it. So, that definitely helped," the eventual winner shared with us afterward. "It was a tough day, and I often found myself at my limit. The group's pace was relentless, and I felt somewhat helpless. But Christophe told me to give it a try after he had made his move. So I did, and I pushed as hard as I could to the finish line. It turned out to be enough."
For team leader Niermann, this victory was a home win, achieved through an excellent performance by his riders. "It was a well-executed race, and we emerged victorious. Our plan was to go for a sprint, but we were aware that the start was going to be exceptionally demanding. That's why we needed to be proactive, creating favorable situations for ourselves, particularly with Laporte. The guys executed the plan very effectively, so it's particularly satisfying that Per secured the win."
Niermann admitted that some doubts crept in along the way, especially when they knew that last year's winner, Olav Kooij, was in the chasing group. However, with Jasper Philipsen also in the chasing group, it was clear that they couldn't count on winning a bunch sprint, despite having two riders with strong attacks at the front, namely Edo and Per. This is why the decision was made not to push for a sprint finish.
Niermann recognizes 'wily old fox' in rough diamond Hagenes
When asked, Niermann provided further insights into Jumbo-Visma's emerging talent, Per. "Per is incredibly strong. His specialty lies in all-day races and then breaking away solo. He may not often win races through bunch sprints, but this victory showcased his astute racing intellect. It appears he possesses the wisdom of a seasoned veteran; he picked the precise moment perfectly."
With this compliment, our attention turned to the protagonist himself. Per remarked, "I always strive to maintain composure during the final stages of a race, but I also keenly observe many races. I often try to pinpoint the right moment, and it has frequently proven to be the correct one. So, over time, I've gained confidence. That certainly plays a role."
Hagenes expressed his aspiration to venture into the world of prestigious classics next season. "I aim to evolve into a classic-style rider. However, it will only be my debut year as a professional, so I'm eager to see what the team's plans are. I've discussed it with some teammates, but ultimately, I trust that it will work out. This victory doesn't necessarily change that perspective, as it's not as if I've suddenly become a markedly better rider," he added with the calm demeanor characteristic of a true Scandinavian stoic.
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Latest Comments
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024