Boasson Hagen claims Tour of Britain crown

Published: Saturday, 19 September 2009, 5:29PM

Norway's Edvald Boasson Hagen sealed overall victory in the Tour of Britain but he had to play second fiddle to Italy's Michele Merlo around the streets of London.

Barloworld rider Merlo (pictured) edged ahead of the field in the final metres of the 92km stage around the capital, taking victory from Koldo Fernandez and Garmin-Slipstream's Chris Sutton.

Boasson Hagen, who is set to join Team Sky next year, looked well placed in the final stages of the race but had to settle for a rare defeat during a week which he dominated.

Sutton's third place stage finish meant he was forced to settle for second behind Boasson Hagen in both the overall classification, at 23 seconds, and in the points competition.