Comparing Euler classes

Abstract

We establish the equality of two definitions of an Euler class in algebraic geometry: the first definition is as a "characteristic class" with values in Chow-Witt theory, while the second definition is as an "obstruction class." Along the way, we refine Morel's relative Hurewicz theorem in A^1-homotopy theory, and show how to define (twisted) Chow-Witt groups for geometric classifying spaces.

33 pages; Final version (before proofs). To appear Q. J. Math