The GoodWho has had a more auspicious and ominous start to the 2006 edition of the Tour de France, than last year's Maillot Vert winner, Thor Hushovd. The points champion of most stage races is often synoymous with being the best sprinter, but Hushovd proved more than being adept at the sprints by winning the July 1st Prologue. It may have been a surprise to many, given his physical stature. But the physically intimidating Norwegian actually won his country's U-23 time trial championship back in the day. His efforts won him this year's first Maillot Jaune.
The Bad
On Stage 2, coming back from an ugly incident (see below), Hushovd was involved in the mass sprint finish. In the final meters, Robbie McEwen's (winner of Stage 2) aggressiveness caused Husvold to pull out of his pedal. His bike handling skills kept him upright, but his raised fist clearly showed his displeasure with McEwen's line. On the replay, there really wasn't much to complain about as we've all witnessed how aggressive McEwen can be in reaching the finish line first.
The Ugly
On Stage 1, while attempting to set himself up for the mass sprint, Hushovd's right arm was sliced open when he came into contact with one of the Tour sponsors promotional effects being held by a fan. The SWAG, one of the ever present PMU cardboard hands (ironically the sponsor of the Maillot Vert). I attempted to carry one back to the States after the 2003 TdF, but it ended up being left behind in a French cab as its sheer size was equivalent to the backpack I was carrying (certainly wouldn't have qualified as a carry-on). If you ever wondered what a paper cut might look like if you were travelling around 30-45 mph, or never thought of cardboard as a lethal weapon just look below (a bloody mess, paging Dr. Fuentes).
Edited: On Stage 4, the ugliness continued for Hushovd as he was relegated to the back of the pack for "improper sprinting." Huh? Apparently, there still is a code of honor as people dive for the perfect and shortest line into the finish.
Photos: AFP
1 comment:
here's a different take Granny (although I know they had to 'talk' afterwards):
when I saw the fist I thought the same thing, but when I watchded it several times during the day (I'm totally OLN for hours these days), I thought I sensed that he was proud (a sense in his shoulders & face) ... because he knew he was in Yellow and that was worth a fist for joy [and I'm sticking with that story cause there's too much other negative dope :)}
... and did you see Boonen get hit by a camera too (he doesn't seem to be on top of his timing & form, but it definitely impacted him)
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