What Hushovd really is doing in Arenberg Forest these days

What goals do you have Thor?


Photo by Wil Matthews, downloaded here.

As most probably know by now Thor Hushovd, the reigning World Champion, did not participate in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. Yesterday Cycling Weekly could report that Hushovd is planning a reconnoitre of the last cobblestone sectors of this year's edition of Paris-Roubaix.

That is not entirely correct though.

Hushovd did travel to France this weekend, just after completing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but he didn't only plan to reconnoitre with teammate Van Summeren and the new Classics DS expert Van Petegem, but to test some secret equipment.
Now what can that equipment be? To tell you the truth, I don't know what kind, but it is so secret that Hushovd's personal coach, Atle Kvålsvoll, only will tell what it is if tests prove good. I'm pretty good at speculating but I won't make a living out of it. Equipment could be anything, new Classic frame by Cervélo, new stem, pedals or even new tubes.

What an ideal place to test kit, the Paris-Roubaix is Hushovd's main goal for the season, others is RVV, the Tour and the Worlds in Copenhagen. With three peaks in his form, it's going to be an exciting season for the Norwegian World Champion. He said to France24 that his condition is great and that he believes to be in much better shape this year than last year, where he got to the podium at P-R.

Hushovd's dream of pedaling first into the Roubaix velodrome in his rainbow jersey, which The Bagder did in '81, could come true. It would be a nice birthday present to his personal coach as well.

The date to reserve is the 10th of April.

Did you see that Edvald?


Photo credit: From the Cycling Weekly article mentioned above.