Claims second road title six years on
Cervélo TestTeam Thor Hushovd took the Norwegian road national championship title in Trondheim today, to take his first victory of the season leading into his defense of the green jersey at the Tour de France next week. Hushovd finished 4 seconds in front of Christer Rake (Joker Bianchi), and a further 35 seconds in front of Roy Hegreberg (Sparebanken Vest–Ridley).
“I am really happy with this. It is my first win of what has been a very difficult season so far. I actually forgot how nice it is to win,” said Hushovd after the race. “I’ve had to wait some years before winning this race again, and now I look forward to wearing the national jersey in the Tour de France.”
It had been six years since Hushovd won his only national road title, and now the 32 year old will head into the Tour de France with a nice morale boost.
“The championship jersey means a lot to me,” he told VG Nett. “I am proud to have it again and I’m very eager to see it on the TV at the Tour de France. At least for a few days, and then I hope to replace it with the green jersey.”
Surprisingly absent in the finale was Team Sky’s Edvald Boasson Hagen, who was one of the last to fall off the pace of a nine-man break, losing contact with 30 kilometers remaining in the race.
Boasson Hagen said he wasn’t worried about his condition going into the Tour de France, after what he described as a hard day where he was tired. “Thor was very strong. He was very impressive,” he said.
Norway’s national championship road race results:
1. Thor Hushovd – Cervélo TestTeam 5.09.00
2. Christer Rake – Joker Bianchi + 0.04
3. Roy Hegreberg - Sparebanken Vest – Ridley + 0.39