Hushovd shows return to form.
Considered the true start to the spring classics and at 298 kilometres, the single longest one-day race in the UCI calendar, the 101st edition of Milan-Sanremo was won by Oscar Freire (ESP-Rabobank) who captured his third victory in this historic race. Best result for Cervélo TestTeam was Thor Hushovd (NOR) crossing the line in sixth position.
“I was strong today and last week when I did Tirreno I was happy with my performance improving day by day,” said Thor Hushovd. “Today I think I showed my form, in the last 14 km I missed the sprint and I should have been on the podium but that’s my own fault in the end. I’m looking ahead now. I did a good job all winter training well, except when I was sick and now I think my performance is getting better and better.”
“Overall we saw an impressive final from Thor. We can see he’s in the right shape, he came to the final but needed some help to bring him up there.” said sporting director Jean-Paul van Poppel. ” In the last 14 km he was pushed back and couldn’t find his position anymore, it was a shame and unfortunately he got 6th. But we saw, a strong Hushovd. We feel very comfortable to go the classics now with this whole team.”
Milan-Sanremo – 298km
1. Oscar Freire (ESP) Rabobank
2. Tom Boonen (BEL) Quick Step
3. Alessandro Petacchi (ITA) Lampre-Farnese Vini
4. Sacha Modolo (ITA) Colnago – CSF Inox
5. Daniele Bennati (ITA) Lampre-Farnese Vini
6. Thor Hushovd (NOR) Cervélo Test Team
Photo: © TDWsport.com