LONDON, Sept 19, 2009 (AFP) – Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen cruised to victory in the Tour of Britain here on Saturday.

Having started the eighth and final stage, a 92.5-km criterium around London, with a 23-second advantage over his nearest challenger, the 22-year-old was never likely to be deprived of the race leader’s yellow jersey, which he had earned by winning four of the stages.

Australia’s Chris Sutton finished in third place in Saturday’s criterium to move up to second place overall while Germany’s Martin Reimer took third.

Sutton was victorious in the opening stage of the race in York and was left to ponder what might have been if he had not lost the services of team-mates Ricardo Van Der Velde and Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins.

“It was a great week for me and I really can’t complain about a thing — getting second overall is fantastic,” said the Australian, who was beaten in London by Michele Merlo and Koldo Fernandez.

“Going for the general classification wasn’t really my main priority at the start of the week but to get up there and put in such a good performance was really pleasing.

“I haven’t finished outside of the top ten all week and that level of consistency is exactly what I’ve been looking for.”

“It was such a shame to lose Ricardo Van Der Velde after the first stage and them for Wiggins to pull out later on was really disappointing. If those two had still been in the team and able to get out there for me then who knows what could’ve happened.”

Sutton will now turn his attentions to the Circuit Franco-Belge at the start of October, and the 25-year-old is convinced there are plenty of positives to take from his performance in Britain.

“Now it’s all about the future and making sure I build on this result in France and Australia.”

Results:
Stage
1. Michele Merlo (ITA) 1hr 56mins 55secs
2. Koldo Fernandez (ESP)
3. Christopher Sutton (AUS)
4. Pierpaolo De Negri (ITA)
5. Robert Hayles (GBR),
6. Russell Downing (GBR)
7. Reinier Honig (NED)
8. Peter Williams (GBR)
9. Malcolm Elliott (GBR)
10. Danilo Napolitano (ITA) all same time

Overall
1. Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR) 28h 6min 24sec
2. Christopher Sutton (AUS) at 23sec
3. Martin Reimer (GER) 25
4. Kai Reus (NED) 26
5. Russell Downing (GBR) 39
6. Geraint Thomas (GBR) 43
7. Geoffroy Lequatre (FRA) at same time
8. Simon Clarke (AUS) 47
9. Reinier Honig (NED) 49
10. Kristian House (GBR) at same time