VEGARD STAKE LAENGEN

• Norway
• Age: 23
• Professional Since 2008

Vegard Stake Laengen raced to a very strong 4th overall at the Tour de l'Avenir in 2011, following strong top-5 appearances at the Norwegian road race and time trial championships in June. He is a gifted young rider with a very promising future, and features well in the hilly, cobbled climbs of Belgium, where he finished 7th in the U23 Ronde van Vlaanderen, and 3rd in the Triptyque des Monts et Chateaux.

To look at Vergard in all his stature, you would think he was a basketball player. Tall, long arms, rangy gaze and sharp scrutiny of the road ahead. But his eyes focus on the road, rather than the tiny court, and he doesn't play a game with a ball. Forged in the fire of Norway's impossible cycling culture, Vegard brought his talents south into mainland Europe last year, shedding sunlight on the winner's circle and putting the cool arctic chill on his competition. He will possess much this season as his talents become apparent, from time trials in the longer stage races to the bouncing rides across the babyhood cobbles. Watch for him.

2011 HIGHLIGHTS

• 2nd Road Race National Championships, NOR
• 3rd GC Triptyque des Monts et Chateaux, BEL
• 3rd Time Trial European Championships U23, ITA
• 4th St1 Triptyque des Monts et Chateaux, BEL
• 4th Time Trial National Championships, NOR
• 4th GC Tour de l'Avenir, FRA
• 4th St3 Tour de l'Avenir, FRA
• 5th GC Tour Alsace, FRA
• 7th Ronde van Vlaanderen Beloften, BEL
• 7th St5 Tour de l'Avenir, FRA
• 8th St5 Tour Alsace, FRA
• 10th St2 Tour Alsace, FRA