Norwegian sprinter looks set for big Classics future
Olympic road race bronze medallist Alexander Kristoff’s solid sprint and Classics season has sealed a new two year deal for the Norwegian with his Katusha team, ensuring he will be part of the squad in 2014 and 2015.
This year, the 26 year old won three stages in the Glavia Tour of Norway plus a stage of the Tour de Suisse. He was also second overall in the Three Days of De Panne, fourth in the Tour of Flanders, fifth in Schledeprijs, eighth in Milan-Sanremo and ninth in Paris-Roubaix.
In short, he’s a strong and promising rider who, if he continues to develop, could be a big Classis winner in the years to come.
“I am very glad to have a possibility to continue with Katusha Team,” a pleased Kirstoff said, confirming the deal. “I feel here very comfortable in the team. There is a fantastic, family atmosphere here, so I am really happy.
“I am looking forward for the next two years with Katusha, so, I would like to get more victories for the team in the future. Hope, to win here at Tour de France as well.”
He already went close to a Tour stage win when he was second on stage one, and has clocked up a trio of top six finishes since then.
General manager Viacheslav Ekimov is pleased with how the team has helped him to develop. “Alexander Kristoff is a magnificent athlete and a talented rider. He revealed himself and is continuously developing in our team, so, certainly, we have the right to say that Kristoff is a Katusha’s discovery,” he said.
“Alexander is very ambitious sprinter and a rapidly progressing Classics rider. We are counting on him in spring classics season, where he already showed his great potential during the current season.”