Hushovd second, defends green jersey
14-Jul-2009: Cervélo TestTeam’s Thor Hushovd sprinted to second place in Tuesday’s 10th stage and defended the green points jersey at the Tour de France.
British sprinter Mark Cavendish out-kicked Hushovd in a windy, uphill sprint into Issoudun to win for the third time this Tour, but Hushovd scored enough points to retain the green jersey.
“I was in good position for the sprint, but in the last corner, I lost four or five meters to Cavendish and I had to fight really hard to close the gap and get back on his wheel. Because of this, I wasn’t able to sprint at my best,” Hushovd said.
“I cannot be disappointed considering the circumstances. I was able to defend the green jersey, so I am happy about that.”
The 96th Tour continues Wednesday with the 192km 11th stage from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau. There are three intermediate sprints sprinkled over the moderately hilly course, so watch for Hushovd to try to pick up some points along the route before what’s expected to be another bunch sprint.
For complete TestTeam results and more pictures, click here.