Tag: Hushovd

Thor Hushovd of Team BMC was riding at top place in 2011. He obtained victory on the time trial along with his Garmin-Cervélo team and he was also a Tour de France winner of two stages. The season brought them to participate in the Tour of Britain, where Hushovd attained a stage, and then moved to the world championships to support Edvald Boasson Hagen of Team Sky to the 8th spot.

After the world championships, Hushovd did not race but he was occupied during the off-season by the transfer to BMC. It appeared that his group for 2012 has a chance to be the next “Super Squad” but he was unsuccessful to balance his performance of the previous year. Hushovd spent most of 2012 struggling with a virus which led him to miss many racing events. There were no known results but after it was announced that he already regained his health, he gradually built his form. When he relinquished the fifth stage of the Tour of Poland, it means that he was not prepared to go back to competition and particularly, in the Olympics.

In the Norwegian Cycling Federation venue, Hushovd said that the Olympics has been a main object of the season so it is important that he is fit. He has to withdraw from joining the road race if his body is not at its best condition. He believes that Norway will be providing the best team for the race to be held in London. He even wished them all good luck.

Vegard Stake Laeng, 23 years old, is the first substitute rider who will take Hushovd’s place. This is his first year to ride with a Professional Continental squad.

According to Steffen Kjærgaard, Norwegian Sports Director, with Vegard, they will still have a strong team to compete for the Olympic medals.