Best norwegian rider right now (or closest to winning a big classic)?

[ingsve]

This is a question that is up in the air at the moment. Traditionally one would say Hushovd but he has his best days behind him. On talent one would probably say Edvald Boasson Hagen but he's not really getting the results in the bigger races.

Looking at results and riding, it would seem that both Alexander Kristoff and Lars Petter Nordhaug are closer to actually winning one of the big classics than the two other "bigger names". Kristoff was top 10 in all three monuments so far this year and Nordhaug rode very well today in AGR just like he did last year in the ardennes.

So who gets your vote? Who is closer to winning a big classic of the current norwegian pros?

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

Only Hagen got the potensial to become a bigtime winner. Not a big chance, but noone else got what it takes.

 

[roundabout]

Shouldn't we define what a big classic is first? Just the monuments?

 

[Netserk]

Depends on the definition of a big classic.

 

[Pentacycle]

Kristoff for sure. Best Norwegian.

Wait, what's the point of this thread?

 

[Bexon30]

Depends on the definition of a big classic.

I voted Kristoff but I'm not sure if he will win a big classic. He will be consistently high placed though. He's got a good sprint.

 

[ingsve]

I chose not to just say monuments since I believe there are a few other races that are almost as prestigeous. I'm thinking of races like Amstel Gold Race and Clasica San Sebastian for example.

 

[Netserk]

I chose not to just say monuments since I believe there are a few other races that are almost as prestigeous. I'm thinking of races like Amstel Gold Race and Clasica San Sebastian for example.

Would you please name them all?

 

[The Cobra]

I would say Kristoff. Becoming increasingly impressive and has a strong sprint, certainly looks more likely that EBH who continues to be a major fail in the classics.

Thor is running out of time, or perhaps it could be argued he has run out of time and his classics winning potential has passed him by. I like Lars Petter, but he would have to have a 'perfect' day for him to win a big one so not very likely.

 

[maltiv]

Nordhaug. He'll win a big classic within the next 3 days

 

[jens_attacks]

nordhaug is my favourite norwegian rider so gotta be him

 

[ingsve]

Would you please name them all?

Ok, I would say the 5 monuments, Amstel Gold Race, Fleche Wallonne, Clasica San Sebastian, and possibly E3 prijs and Gent Wevelgem depending on the route and participation. I don't count Gent Wevelgem from the time Hushovd and Hagen won it since it was more of an off-day between the monuments and more of a semi-classic then it has the protential to be now eventhough it's borderline.

 

[Afrank]

Kristoff I suppose, he's got a good sprint and he showed big improvement this year over last.
Nordhaug 2nd, will have to see how he does in the other ardennes later this week and how he performs in the future. Hopefully Blanco doesn't curse him too much.

 

[jaylew]

Well, Hushovd has won the biggest classic of all.

From here on out:
EBH
Kristoff
Nordhaug
Hushovd

The first 3 are close. Still going with EBH as I feel like he's got the most talent and he's got the best recent result.

 

[Netserk]

EBH and Kristoff with the best chance to win one of the listed classics.

Next year when EBH realizes that he should target AGR and San Sebastian, he'll win one of them, so decided to vote for him.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Boasson Hagen if he moves to another team.
Otherwise Kristoff.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Ok, I would say the 5 monuments, Amstel Gold Race, Fleche Wallonne, Clasica San Sebastian, and possibly E3 prijs and Gent Wevelgem depending on the route and participation. I don't count Gent Wevelgem from the time Hushovd and Hagen won it since it was more of an off-day between the monuments and more of a semi-classic then it has the protential to be now eventhough it's borderline.

Paris-Tours

 

[brilleaben]

Kurt-Asle.

 

[kjetilraknerud]

EBH. He knows how to win races when he's in position to do so, and he still has time on his side to develop his engine as well as his cycling brain.

 

[kjetilraknerud]

Kristoff for sure. Best Norwegian.

Wait, what's the point of this thread?

We wouldn't have many threads if there was a quality filter If the posters don't see the point with a thread, it disappears - natural selection.

 

[Netserk]

Paris-Tours

Ever since it was no longer World Tour, the competition has been rather weak. (Primary the last two editions)

 

[Pippo_San]

Nordhaug could've become the next big thing regarding norwegian pro cycling.

Then he went to RaboBlancoFail.

Since the poll says RIGHT NOW, I'd definitely go with Kristoff. A very good 2013 campaign.
FFS I chose TGAK.
Can't believe it.
This thread drives me nuts.

 

[maltiv]

EBH. He knows how to win races when he's in position to do so, and he still has time on his side to develop his engine as well as his cycling brain.

He won't improve with time, he peaked at 21 and hasn't gotten any better since then. The only thing that can make him better is if he stops focusing on cobbled classics...

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

He won't improve with time, he peaked at 21 and hasn't gotten any better since then. The only thing that can make him better is if he stops focusing on cobbled classics...

He steadily improves in the longer mountains does he not? (looking on how he have been riding in Dauphine the last couple of years)
But yea, I agree with you, he needs to stop with thisPR stupidity

 

[maltiv]

He steadily improves in the longer mountains does he not? (looking on how he have been riding in Dauphine the last couple of years)

I think that's only due to weight loss, he was 77 kg with Colombia and is 73 kg's now.