August Jensen : My biggest victory so far
September 22 nd 2017 - 10:10
The 26-year-old from Bodø has impressed with a total of 35 top ten results so far in the season, but it is especially one that stands out from the rest, according to Jensen.
On August 12 th he fought for stage victory in Finnvikdalen in Tromsø during the Arctic Race of Norway, becoming the first person from Northern Norway to win a stage in the race above the Arctic Circle.
– This was the stage I thought looked the hardest and I was nervous about the final hill. But I got into my own bubble where it was all about reaching the top first. I knew it was possible to win after being so close on the first stage two days earlier. My legs felt good and everything worked as it should. To actually win was an amazing feeling, says Jensen.
Selected for the World Championship
Only a few millimetres separated the Norwegian (Team Coop-Østerhus) from Belgium's Dylan Teuns (BMC Pro Team) in the photo finish. Jensen admits the finish was almost to exciting for his taste, and cried tears of joy when he was announced winner.
– This is my biggest victory so far. A victory in the Arctic Race meant a lot to me, especially since I am the first rider from Northern Norway to win a stage. I am really proud of that. At the same time it is cool to pave the way for Northern Norway's bicycle sport, says the 26-year-old, who also became number two in the general classification – behind Dylan Teuns.
– What has your result in the Arctic Race meant for you in retrospect?
– That was probably what got me selected for the national team and World Championships. To win a stage and to be second best in the general classification certainly showed that I deserved a spot at the World Championships in Bergen, says Jensen.
Norway among the favourites
Tuesday this week the rider from Northern Norway arrived in Bergen, getting ready to race for the Norwegian national team in the men's elite class on Sunday September 24th. Here, Jensen has a domestique role where his job is to ensure that Alexander Kristoff and Edvald Boassen Hagen are in the best position to secure Norwegian victory.
– There are two clear-cut captains in Alex and Edvald. It is a long race and a tough race profile, and if I can help them save energy and be well-positioned in the critical parties we hope they can join the fight for victory when the very best attack at the end. As for me, I will try to hang in there as far as possible. Norway is considered one of the favourites and the goal is to be in the top three – so it's going to be exciting, says Jensen.
Signed pro contract
This summer, the 26-year-old from Bodø signed a pro contract with Israel Cycling Academy, which he will be part of from January 1st 2018.
– We had agreed on a professional contract before the Arctic Race, so my victory made no difference there. But every good result will strengthen my position in the new team. Now they know that they signed a rider who can win bigger road bicycle races, says Jensen.
– What role will you have in the new team?
– It's hard to say. In Coop I have been captain and had quite free roles, but now I'm going to be more of a domestique. But I hope to be able to race for my own results in some races. The victory in the Arctic Race could be crucial when deciding if I am going to get those opportunities or not.
The Norwegian adds that he hopes he and his new team will get the chance to participate in next year's edition of Arctic Race of Norway.
– That would be so cool. I really want to fight for new stage wins and the chance to advance in the general classification. It would be truly amazing if I became the first rider from Northern Norway to win the summary as well, says Jensen.