Norwegian cycling star looks back on his greatest victory and the evolution of the sport

For Alexander Kristoff, the 2015 Tour of Flanders was more than just a race—it was the defining moment of his career. The Norwegian sprinter and classics specialist outmuscled his rivals in a dramatic finale, securing his place in cycling history. Now, as he nears the twilight of his career and the milestone of 100 professional victories, Kristoff reflects on that monumental day, the changing landscape of cycling, and his motivations as he eyes a strong finish before retirement.

In an exclusive interview with Cyclingnews, the 36-year-old veteran of the peloton reminisced about his greatest triumph, the legendary riders who shaped his career, and the new generation of superstars who now dominate the sport.

2015 Tour of Flanders: The Perfect Day

Kristoff’s victory in the Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) on April 5, 2015, remains a standout moment in modern cycling history. Riding for Team Katusha, the Norwegian was in the form of his life and entered the race as one of the favorites. With the cobbled climbs and brutal conditions that define the Ronde, only the strongest riders survive, let alone win.

“I remember waking up that morning feeling confident,” Kristoff recalls. “I was in great shape, and I knew if things went well, I had a real shot at the win. But in cycling, nothing is guaranteed, especially in a race like Flanders.”

The race played out in dramatic fashion, with attacks flying on the legendary climbs of the Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, and Koppenberg. With 40 kilometers to go, Kristoff made his move, forming a breakaway with Niki Terpstra (Etixx-QuickStep). The Dutchman, known for his strength on the cobbles, was an ideal companion, and the duo worked together to establish a decisive gap.

“In those final kilometers, I kept telling myself, ‘This is your chance, don’t waste it,’” Kristoff said. “I was suffering, but I knew Terpstra was too. I just had to make sure I had something left for the sprint.”

When they reached the finish in Oudenaarde, Kristoff launched his sprint and powered to victory, raising his arms in triumph. It was a moment of pure elation.

“That was the best day of my life as a rider,” he admits. “Winning Milan-San Remo in 2014 was huge, but Flanders is something different. It’s one of the hardest races in the world, and to win it was just incredible.”

The Evolution of the Peloton: From Boonen & Cancellara to Van der Poel & Pogačar

Looking back on his career, Kristoff acknowledges how much the sport has changed since he turned professional in 2007. During his early years, he competed against some of the greatest classics riders of all time—Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara.

“When I was young, it was Boonen and Cancellara who were the strongest,” Kristoff told Cyclingnews. “They dominated the classics, and I looked up to them. Racing against them was an incredible experience.”

Boonen, a Belgian superstar, won Flanders three times (2005, 2006, 2012) and was renowned for his power on the cobbles. Cancellara, the Swiss time-trial specialist, also claimed three Tour of Flanders titles (2010, 2013, 2014) and was a master of solo attacks.

“Those guys were legends, and when I won in 2015, it felt like I had reached their level,” Kristoff said. “But cycling never stands still. Now, it’s a new generation leading the way.”

Today, the sport is dominated by young stars like Mathieu van der Poel, Mads Pedersen, and Tadej Pogačar—riders who combine raw power with versatility and tactical intelligence.

“Van der Poel is just incredible. He can win on any terrain—classics, cyclocross, even mountain bike races,” Kristoff said. “Pedersen is a hard man, and he’s proving himself in the big one-day races. And then you have Pogačar, who isn’t just a Grand Tour rider; he’s winning Monuments too.”

Kristoff pointed to Pogačar’s 2023 Tour of Flanders victory as a prime example of how cycling has evolved. The Slovenian, known primarily for his Tour de France dominance, shocked the cycling world by winning one of the hardest one-day races on the calendar.

“When I started, Tour de France winners didn’t win Flanders. Now, guys like Pogačar can do both. It’s a different era.”

Chasing 100 Wins: Kristoff’s Final Ambition

With 89 professional victories to his name, Kristoff is closing in on the rare milestone of 100 career wins. It’s a goal that has given him fresh motivation in the latter stages of his career.

“I know I don’t have many years left in the peloton, but I still feel strong,” he said. “Reaching 100 wins would be special. Not many riders get there, so it would be a nice way to finish.”

Kristoff’s list of triumphs is already impressive:

• Milan-San Remo (2014)
• Tour of Flanders (2015)
• Four Tour de France stage wins
• European Road Race Champion (2017)
• Multiple victories in Paris-Nice, Tour of Oman, and the Arctic Race of Norway

Even as younger riders take center stage, Kristoff remains competitive. In 2023, he won stages in the Tour of Norway and Circuit Franco-Belge, proving that his sprinting legs are still capable of delivering big victories.

“I know I’m not the fastest sprinter anymore, but I still have experience and endurance,” he said. “That’s why I love the classics. They’re not just about speed—they’re about toughness and strategy.”

As for retirement, Kristoff isn’t setting a definitive date, but he acknowledges that the end is approaching.

“I don’t know exactly when I’ll stop. Maybe one more year, maybe two,” he said. “But when I do retire, I’ll do it knowing I gave everything to this sport.”

Legacy of a Norwegian Cycling Pioneer

Regardless of whether he reaches 100 wins, Kristoff has already cemented his legacy as one of Norway’s greatest cyclists. His Tour of Flanders victory remains one of the country’s most significant achievements in the sport, inspiring a new generation of Norwegian riders.

“Cycling in Norway has grown a lot since I started,” Kristoff said. “When I was young, we didn’t have many big riders. Now, we have guys like Tobias Foss, Andreas Leknessund, and Jonas Abrahamsen coming through. It’s great to see.”

As Kristoff prepares for the final chapters of his career, one thing is certain—his 2015 Tour of Flanders victory will always be remembered as the crowning jewel of his incredible journey.

“It’s still the best day of my life as a rider,” Kristoff concluded. “No matter what happens next, that will never change.”