Edvald Boasson Hagen has declared he will retire at the end of this season, closing out a distinguished professional career. The Norwegian made his announcement in an Instagram post on Wednesday morning.
“There is a time for everything and after 17 years in the pro peloton, I’m proud of what I have accomplished during my career,” Boasson Hagen wrote. “2024 will be my last season and I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and exploring new opportunities in my life beyond cycling.”
Boasson Hagen has been racing with Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale throughout the 2024 campaign, having joined the team following his departure from TotalEnergies. The 37-year-old is listed provisionally for the Renewi Tour and mentioned he has “still some races left this season” before finally retiring.
A native of Rudsbygd near Lillehammer, Boasson Hagen initially made his mark with Norwegian Continental outfit Maxbo-Bianchi, winning three stages at the 2006 Tour de l’Avenir. He ascended to the top level by joining Team Highroad in 2008, showcasing his versatility across various terrains, from sprinting to time trialling.
In 2009, Boasson Hagen’s victory at Gent-Wevelgem marked him as one of cycling’s most promising young talents. Alongside Bradley Wiggins, he was a major signing for the inaugural Team Sky roster in 2010. While at Sky, he secured 24 victories, though some felt he didn’t fully realise his potential during his tenure there.
His spectacular two stage wins during the 2011 Tour de France highlighted his abilities, but he often played a supporting role in Grand Tours. In 2015, Boasson Hagen moved to MTN-Qhubeka and saw a resurgence in form the following season. His fifth place at the 2016 Paris-Roubaix and his silver medal at the 2012 Worlds in Valkenburg showcased his endurance.
Boasson Hagen’s third Tour stage victory came in 2017 in Salon-de-Provence after several near misses. However, his win rate decreased in subsequent years, with his 81st and most recent professional victory occurring on the opening stage of the 2019 Critérium du Dauphiné.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported me and cheered me on, the teams I’ve been a part of and especially my family and wife, who have always been there for me,” Boasson Hagen expressed. “I’ve been very lucky and happy to have been able to do this for so long, and for all the friendships and cherished memories I am left with.”
