Thor Hushovd continued training after a brutal virus attack
After sacrificing most of his season to a viral infection, Thor Hushovd is delighted to start his full training for the new season.
“It is lovely to ride when you know that your body works. It has not been that way for a while, but it is now,” he said.
The cyclist could only race for 28 days throughout the 2012 season and was last seen on his bike in mid July.
The infection was diagnosed in September by the team’s Medical Officer Dr. Max Testa after examining Hushovd for four days at the Salt Lake City Health and Fitness Institute.
Doctors tried to analyse the reason behind his reduced tolerance towards exercise which restricted him from performing throughout the season.
Dr. Testa determined that the Norwegian was suffering from ‘postal-viral syndrome with secondary myositis also termed as muscles inflammation.
Doctors also confirmed in September that Hushovd’s condition was improving and that he should recover 100 % by the end of 2012 season.
The former World Champion started his professional pursuit with Team Credit Agricole in 2000 and spent a maximum number of eight years with the team before moving to Cervelo Test Team for 2009-10 seasons.
He penned a one-year deal with Team Garmin-Cervelo in 2011 and finally joined the American outfit, Team BMC for the 2012 season.
The 34-year-old is now relieved to get back on his bike and is optimistic to find the right form early on the season.
“I am training more and more, and am on track,” he told tv2.no.
“I have not explored how much my body can handle, or gone to the limit. During this period, it is important to build my body up gradually, so that I get a proper foundation,” he said.
“The first real test comes 10 December. Then I will meet the BMC collective, and it's going to be more - and harder - training than I've had in months”.
It will be interesting to see, if the 2010 UCI Road World Champion manages to find the winning momentum for the season ahead to make up for the lost time.
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