HUSHOVD KNEW HE HAD TO ATTACK
Thor Hushovd knew he needed to extend his lead in the competition for the green jersey in the Tour, and there was a chance he could do something on the stage to Le Grand Bornand, but he knew it wouldn’t be easy.
Looking back on cycling highlights of the previous year, Hushovd fought with Cavendish for the green jersey in the Tour de France. He could not match the speed of Cavendish, but rode intelligently, picking up points in intermediate sprints by going on the attack and winning his second green jersey.
The Cervélo rider attacked on Comet de Roseland which was coming right at the start of the stage, then descended into the valley and took the points. With six more points on offer at the second sprint at Cluses, Hushovd had a choice, he could sit up and wait for the bunch ot he could keep going alone. It was a long solo ride through the valley, and over the second-category climb Côte d’Arches. Hushovd keept going on, it was a heroic solo mission, but justice was done when he crossed the line to take another six points.
When the bunch finally caught him on Col de Romme, he went back through the already shrinked bunch like a hot knife through butter. But he still had a smile for the television camera and the satisfaction that his efforts had brought a smile to the faces of the millions watching at home.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBQUMuUl5hA[/youtube]
Thor Hushovd winning his second green jersey.