Hushovd leaves Vuelta to focus on Worlds
Norwegian sprinter Thor Hushovd left the Vuelta a Espana after Monday's stage 16 to focus on the UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Australia.
After finishing 99th in Stage 16, the 32-year-old reported to Norwegian television station TV2 that he is saving his best form for the tournament down under.
“I feel I'm in good form now, and that I won't take any chances on breaking down what I have now built up. So I think it's wise to give up now," said Hushovd, who leaves the Vuelta at 117th in the overall standings.
The Norwegian's ambition when entering this year's Vuelta was to win a stage. And in stage six, between Caravaca de Cruz and Murcia, he reached his goal. Holding out against strong finishers such as Lampre-Farnese Vini's Grega Bole and Liquigas-Doimo's Daniele Bennati, Hushovd raced clear to win the last sprint of the day and claim the stage win, the fourth Vuelta victory of his career.
“It was tempting to continue the race,” he added. “But I've reached my goal. It is best to go home now with a view to the World Championships.”
Hushovd, who won the points classification of the Tour de France in 2005 and 2009, has enjoyed extensive success in the Grand Tours since turning professional in 1998. He not only obtained two green jerseys in the Tour, but the sprinter has also won 14 stages in the Grand Tour and classics events Gent–Wevelgem and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. But aside from becoming the U-23 World Time Trial Champion in 1998, Hushovd has not enjoyed any success at the World Championships to date.
The Cervelo Test Team captain is set to compete alongside Sky's Edvald Boasson Hagen and BMC Racing Team's Alexander Kristoff in the tournament, which begins September 29. Hushovd will travel to Australia next week.
Tags: