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Thor Hushovd and Philippe Gilbert best friends but only off the race – Cycling News

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Thor Hushovd and Philippe Gilbert best friends but only off the race – Cycling News
Thor Hushovd denied all the rumours about him teaming up with Philippe Gilbert at the 266 kilometre Elite Men road race at the UCI Road World Championships 2011. The Norwegian cyclist mentioned during a press release that Philippe is his friend but not while
they are racing.
Philippe Gilbert who is currently training with Hushovd has also rejected the news of the two collaborating for the race. He said, “We’re still friends and we’ll try to win, but we’re not in the same team yet. Maybe next year it’s different, but still, in
a world championship you ride for your country and not for a [trade] team.”
Gilbert will be joining Thor in 2012 as both riders have signed contracts with BMC Racing Team. Gilbert has had a fantastic season as he has been the National Road Race Champion, National Time Trial Champion, finished the Tour of Belgium and Ster ZLM Toer
at first position. He has a total of 18 wins to his name for the current season and his confidence is surely high for the coming race.
During an interview earlier this week Gilbert did not commented clearly about his chances on winning the event but he is surely the most favourite contender to become the 2011 Championships winner. The Belgian is certain of making the race as difficult as
he could because he believes that in such scenario only the toughest riders will make through.
Thor on the other hand has the opportunity to make it his second consecutive Championship win the same way Paolo Bennati of Italy won the event in 2006-7. He also believes that the course this year is totally different to the one in Australia last year. The
33-year-old mentioned that the hardest part of the race this year is the final uphill sprint which makes it totally opposite to last year.
He said, "It's a course where riders will not get dropped. Myself and Mark Cavendish will not get dropped on one of the climbs because they are not hard enough. The thing is who will have the most power in the final sprint after 266km." He mentioned that
Gilbert is indeed a close friend but there is no way he will allow him to take his position. The Norwegian will not be afraid to use his elbow if Gilbert tries to overtake him or take his position as he mentioned.
Thor Hushovd is currently at 33rd position in the UCI World Tour Individual Rankings while his friend and future team-mate Philippe Gilbert enjoys the first spot with 698 points. It will be interesting to see how the two favourites approach the
tournament as the stage for the most awaited cycling event is set.

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