Hansen was born in Southport, Queensland, and turned professional in 2007, working with Dr. Lothar Heinrich of the University of Freiburg.

[6] It was after Stage 12 of the Giro that he discovered he had broken his sternum approximately two weeks previous, however since it was healing he continued racing.

[7] While he had free rein at the Giro, for the Tour he had to work for André Greipel (to win sprints) and Jurgen Van den Broeck (to achieve a good General Classification position).

Hansen shed his breakaway companions and won in solo fashion in Pescara in pouring rain, more than a minute in advance of the chasing group.

[8] In stage 19 of the 2014 Vuelta a España, Hansen attacked the peloton with 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) to go and resisted the disorganised chase to win solo.