KURT-ASLE ARVESEN
Date of birth: 09/02/1975
From: Molde, Norway
Team: Sky
Previous teams: Saxo Bank (2004-2009); Team Fakta (2001-2003), Amica Chips (2000), Riso Scotti (1999), Asics (1998)
Kurt-Asle Arvesen career profile
Since joining CSC six years ago, Kurt-Asle Arvesen has carved out a role as one of the most respected and reliable domestiques in the business.
His talent was clear from an early age, as he took the rainbow jersey in 1997, winning the U23 world championship road race ahead of Oscar Freire.
After a tentative first few years learning the ropes in Italy, Arvesen's first big win came at the 2003 Giro d'Italia, when he won an early stage in the colours of modest Scandinavian squad Fakta. Having caught the eye of wealthier suitors, he made the switch to CSC at the end of the season.
On Bjarne Riis's team, he was often employed as a super-domestique for the squad's leaders in the big races. Nevertheless, Arvesen has consistently finished in the upper reaches of the results.
He has great versatility, possessing a decent sprint, while still being equally at home in the hills or on the cobbles.
The Scandinavian seems to get better with age, with his best results coming in the last couple of years. A second Giro d'Italia stage win arrived in 2007.
After several strong finishes in one-day races - including second in Paris-Tours - the 34-year-old claimed semi-classic E3 Prijs Vlaanderen last April. In his best year to date, the likeable Saxo Bank rider also took his first Tour de France stage in Foix.
After a lengthy stint with Saxo Bank, Arvesen heads to Team Sky for 2010. His experience, versatility and strength make him a valuable asset for the new British team.
Kurt-Asle Arvesen results
2009
National road race championship
2008
E3 Prijs Vlaanderen
National road race championship
Tour de France; stage eleven
Tour of Poland; stage one TTT
2007
GP Herning
Giro d'Italia; stage eight
Tour of Denmark; stage three
Tour of Denmark; overall
2006
Ster Elektrotoer; overall
National time-trial championship
Vuelta a Espana; stage one TTT
2004
Aarhus GP
Tour of Denmark; overall
2003
Giro d'Italia; stage ten
2002
Tour of Sweden; overall
Tour of Denmark; stage three
National road race championships
2001
National time-trial championships
Herald Sun Tour; stage nine
1998
National road race championships
1997
National road race championships
U23 world-road race championships, San Sebastian
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