Hushovd: – I trusted those around me. It was not good enough – VG

HAMMERFESTHALLEN / ALTA (AP) A fantastic career is nearing its end. Thor Hushovd (36) believes he has been on a “journey”, but is nevertheless clear that there is one special thing he would like to have done differently.

– I should have put me more into the bike on technical classics from when I was 22 years old. I’ve never been a utstyrsfrik, but I should have been professional enough to find out which bikes that were optimal for the classics, says an outspoken Hushovd VG.

BMC-star adds up after the season. For the very last time he competes at home in Norway, in the race he is ambassador – Arctic Race. After a difficult journey to the North Cape on Thursday was a promising second place at Friday’s flat stage from Honningsvag to Alta.

Only Alexander Kristoff was stronger. Marcel Kittel had no chance and finished fourth. About barely six weeks Hushovd dreams of beating them both and the rest of the world elite. When waiting over who can put a perfect end to an amazing career – VM in Ponferrada, Spain.

Nine years late

Four years after the unforgettable triumph in Geelong in Australia Hushovd take his second World Championship gold. But if he could choose, he would rather won gold at the Olympics than a second World Cup title. And 36-year-old admits that the rodent that he has never gone to the top of one of the great classics.

– I’d spent more time finding the perfect bike for the various classics. What wheels and what kind of tire pressures were appropriate. The things there, says Hushovd and stops. Then he goes – with clear voice.

– It took me nine years before I figured it out. It’s too bad.

– The people around you may well help?

– I trusted them. It was not good enough, the answer Hushovd.

– May have a point

He has collaborated with Atle Kvålsvoll since 1996 The last 11 years have been Kvålsvoll his trainer .

AGREE WITH Hushovd: Average Kvålsvoll has worked with Thor Hushovd since 1996 Kvålsvoll acknowledges that he might have given “Bull from Grimstad” more help in finding the ideal classic-bike. Photo: Anders K. Christiansen VG

– What do you think it Hushovd says

– There can vote. He has always been a bit relaxed type. Others are very suspended equipment so that it can topple over and be too much. But Thor may have a point, says Kvålsvoll.

– Could you and others have helped more?

– Yeah, maybe. But I think this is more that he is a perfectionist. If something has not been absolutely tip-top, he is not satisfied, responds coach.

The chance has gone

Hushovd has been close triumphs in both Paris-Roubaix and Milano-Sanremo, but can “only” refer to one second and three third places. Three of the rostrum came in 2009 – the year he finally had enough knowledge about what is the ideal bike.

Third place in Paris-Roubaix this year should have been enførsteplass.

– It is my biggest letdown in his career. I was at the wheel of Tom Boonen, but overturned 15 kilometers before the finish. We were alone in front. It was my chance to win dream race. Just before the turn where I fell, I let Tom past me. That was the mistake I made, said Hushovd.

A second chance he is not. Four out of the five great classics have all been. Now it remains only Il Lombardia by the so-called “monuments”. There does not make Hushovd to start.

There he hopes that he does in the World Cup.

PS! Saturday’s third leg of Arctic Race stretches from Alta to Kvænangsfjellet. Sunday concludes four days the race with a leg with both start and finish in Tromsø.