BMC Racing Team has found a prognosis for Thor Hushovd’s poor performance this season. After four days of testing at the Salt Lake City Health and Fitness Institute with the team’s doctor Max Testa, results showed the former world champion suffered from a virus and muscle inflammation.
"The purpose of the tests was to explain his reduced exercise tolerance that has been limiting his performance throughout the season," Testa said.
"At the end of the four days, we determined Thor suffered a post-viral syndrome with secondary myositis – or muscles inflammation. His medical condition is currently improving, and a full recovery is expected for next season."
Hushovd spent a large part of this season sidelined and is relieved to have found the reason for his fatigue. He started the Giro d’Italia but pulled out after five stages. Similarly, he did not complete the Tour of Poland. His best result was fifth on a stage at Paris-Nice.
"It's a really big relief that I've been fighting all year with these bad sensations on the bike," Hushovd said. "After awhile, you lose some confidence. But now that I've finally found out why I had this weakness, I'm relieved. Now I know that I can come back strong for next year.
"Right now, I'm just keeping the muscles active. Yesterday I rode my bike and did some core training. So now I'll just be trying to stay active until the first of October so I don't lose too much fitness."
Due to the few race days this season, the Norwegian will start training for next year at the beginning of October. It is traditionally early to start training so soon but the BMC Racing Team are confident he will be back to his best and ready for the Classics season.