Norwegian victory in Belgian cycle sprint

On Feb. 28 Norway’s Thor Hushovd won the Het Nieuwsblad, the opening race of western Europe’s cycling season.

Hushovd in 2005. Photo www.thor-hushovd.com

Hushovd (31) clocked the fastest time during the mass sprint through the streets of the Belgian city of Ghent. Belgium’s Kevyn Ista came second. Spain’s Juan Antonio Flecha ended in third place.

For much of the race, the Dutch Sebastian Langeveld held the lead, together with the German Heinrich Haussler. But shortly before the finish, the rest of cyclists overtook them and Langeveld crashed with several other competitors.

Hushovd took advantage of the pile up to sprint into the lead.

Thor, originally from Grimstad in Southern Norway, is the first Norwegian to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France. He won the green jersey for the best sprinter in the race in 2005.

Source: www.radionetherlands.nl