Edvald Boasson Hagen will finally get the chance to lead Sky on his own at Paris-Roubaix. He has been consistent in the Classics but not spectacular, with third at the Omloop his best finish. He is not known for his Roubaix results and he is hoping that 2014 will be different.

 

“It’s not been the best before, but I’ve been feeling stronger every year and I think that I will go better this year,” he said ahead of the race at the team’s Kortrijk. “I think I have them. I felt strong last Sunday and we also have a really good team. We have to play our cards right I think and get the best out of it. It’s nice to the opportunity to be the leader for Sunday. It’s my biggest goal so far this season and I look forward to it.”

 

His best result is 42nd in 2012 and many see him as a surprise leader with Bradley Wiggins in the squad and Geraint Thomas has been riding really well of late.

 

“We all have the legs and it’s up to the sports directeurs,” said Boasson Hagen. “We still have to make the front and we’re all on a really good level. On paper it is different to what might happen in the race it’s just important one guy as a leader and then see what happens in the race. It’s not like we’re locked into any position although it is important to have clear roles.”

 

But the Norwegian is powerful but his main asset is his sprint and this may be why he was chosen as leader as he is the fastest man in the Sky roster for the Hell of the North.

 

“You have to be ready for a sprint. If it happens then I will have to be ready for it. I hope that I can do a good one, but it is difficult to sprint after 260km than other sprints,” he explained. “It would be a good thing to be ahead so that I don’t have to chase them down when they attack. We will have to see how the race goes and how it pans out. The best thing would be if I could do that, but we will have to see on Sunday. We can plan a lot but it’s not easy. So much can happen in the race.”

 

His career has stagnated recently and he needs a good result but Boasson Hagen shot out a warning at all of his critics who doubt his ability.

 

“I know where I am and I have been and I am on a top level. Results haven’t been so good now, but I feel pretty strong now and hopefully I can prove people wrong and that I’m still really strong. It doesn’t frustrate me I just need to show them that they are wrong. They can say what they want and I will just do my best.”