Norway's Carl Fredrik Hagen will leave Lotto Soudal at the end of the 2020 season to join Israel Startup Nation on a two-year contract.

Norwegian channel TV2 reported the move over the weekend, and then the World Tour's Israel Startup Nation confirmed the move on Tuesday.

"It will be exciting and fun to be integrated into a new team that has not yet reached its full potential," said 28-year-old Hagen, who just turned pro at Lot Sørdal in 2019 and until then was a member of Norway's Continental Squired, Team Joker Icopal and Team Sparebanken Saul.

"Let's build together for success in the coming years," he continued on his new team's website. He is looking for roles and opportunities to "not only achieve good results in the GC and individual stages, but also to support the team captain in his quest for success in the mountains.

"Ambition is what keeps me going. I am never satisfied, even when I am in great shape. I am 28 years old and feel I still have a lot to learn and accomplish with my bike. I look forward to continuing this journey and evolving in the right direction with ISN."

"Carl Fredrik has had a remarkable first year on the WorldTour, finishing in the top 10 overall in several stage races, including the Vuelta," said Kjell Carlstrom, team manager of the Israeli Startup Nation last season. He was referring to Hagen's eighth place overall finish at the Vuelta a España.

"I believe he has the potential to go much higher. He can learn more and develop his expertise while being a great help to the other riders." He will also get a chance in other races, including the Grand Tours. I appreciate his attitude.

Team owner Sylvain Adams said, "We are very happy to have a rider as talented as Carl Frederik Hagen on our team. His 8th place GC finish in last year's Vuelta shows his potential, both for himself and as a support rider for Chris Froome in the Grand Tours...Welcome to the ISN family, Carl Frederik!"

Hagen will return to racing from Lotto Soudal at the Tour de l'Ain in France on August 7-9 and the Criterium du Dauphiné on August 12-16.

Although not a member of the Tour de France, Hagen will start the second Grand Tour of his career at the Giro d'Italia from October 3-25.