Norwegian champion follows his bike sponsor to American ProTour team
Thor Hushovd has ended speculation about his immediate future by confirming that he has signed a contract with Garmin-Transitions, which will become Garmin-Cervélo in 2011. Rumours about the Norwegian champion’s departure to the American team were what triggered speculation over the future of the Swiss-registered team, which had already lost 2008 Tour winner Carlos Sastre.
“I have signed for Garmin so this is my new team next year,” confirmed Hushovd to TV2 after today’s Vuelta a España stage in Málaga. The contract is for one year.”
The big Norwegian is clear in his mind as to the reasons for choosing Garmin for next year; the American team will give him the chance to aim at the races that he wants.
“It is because they will focus on the classics a lot next year and it’s a big goal for me,” he explained. “There will be a good team and I will take a number of the other riders that I have at Cervélo; I think this is the best solution.”
As a sprinter, Hushovd will potentially come into conflict with Garmin-Transitions’ existing sprinter Tyler Farrar. The 26-year-old American has been improving year on year, and has convincingly beaten Hushovd in virtually every race where they have met this year.
The 32-year-old Norwegian doesn’t see any potential conflict though, even where the two riders’ aims might be the same.
“I will be present at all the major races; that I know. We will see what will happen in the sprints when it comes.”
As a two-time winner of the green points jersey at the Tour de France though, Hushovd will not be heading to the new team to work for others. “I will not be a lead out man,” he added, “that’s not why I signed for Garmin.”
While Hushovd will be wearing a different team strip next year (although it will not look very different for at least the first half of the season as he’s Norwegian champion and so wears the red, white and blue flag jersey) the transition is not a great one.
Hushovd has ridden the last two years for the Cervélo TestTeam, meaning that he will find himself astride the same bike on January 1st as he was riding on December 31st (although his groupset, wheels etc. may change). How much of the ProContinental team will follow him to the ProTour outfit is still subject to negotiation.