LES ESSARTS, France, (Reuters) – Thor Hushovd swapped his world champion’s jersey for the Tour de France yellow thanks to his Garmin-Cervelo team mates who won the 23-km second stage of the race, a time trial, yesterday.
The American team covered the windswept course in 24 minutes 48 seconds, at an average speed of 55.6 kph, beating another American outfit, BMC, by four seconds, while British Team Sky were third in the same time.
“The world champion jersey and the yellow jersey are the best two jerseys in cycling and to wear them the same year is just incredible,” Hushovd said. “Thanks to the team for the win, thanks to the team for the jersey.”
The Norwegian took the Tour reins thanks to his third place in Saturday’s first stage, pushing out team mate David Millar, who now lies second overall in the same time.
The Scot, who did more than his share of the job to lead the Garmin team to their first Tour de France victory, had no hard feelings.