World champion deemed most accessible rider in 2011
The International Association of Cycling Journalists has awarded Thor Hushovd the annual AIJC prize, deeming the Norwegian as being the most accessible of the big riders to the media.
According to the association, Hushovd was deemed worthy of the award because, “despite an extremely busy schedule, he honoured his profession and his availability for journalists.”
The Garmin-Cervélo rider was much in demand as he won the world road race championships towards the end of the 2010 season and had multiple requests since for interviews. He also won two stages plus wore the Maillot Jaune in the Tour de France.
He finished just ahead of Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) in the voting. The Frenchman held the yellow jersey for much of this year’s Tour and finished up in fourth place.
Also nominated were the Schleck brothers Frank and Andy, Mark Cavendish, Tom Boonen, Alberto Contador, and Bradley Wiggins.
Fabian Cancellara, Philippe Gilbert and Paolo Bettini were winners in recent years. However several media sources have said in recent months that Gilbert’s agent has now introduced a fee for interviews.
Hushovd and Gilbert will both be part of the BMC Racing team next season, joining Tour winner Cadel Evans there.