Younger Norwegian says there is no leadership problems, road will decide the strongest rider
After winning the world road race championships last year for the first time, Norway has two realistic favourites with a chance of victory for Sunday’s championships in Thor Hushovd and Edvald Boasson Hagen.
Hushovd won the rainbow jersey last year in Australia and will have a strong ally in the 24 year as they look to successfully defend the title.
When the younger rider was asked if leadership would be an issue between the two men he ruled out any conflict. “That will not be a problem,” he said, according to Het Nieuwsblad.
“Thor and I did not decide and talk about leadership because we both have a chance. The progress of the race will determine our strategy.
“If we come together into the finish, we should be honest enough to decide which of us is the strongest and freshest of the two.”
The two Norwegians have both had successful seasons on the bike. Both won two stages each in this year’s Tour de France while Hushovd last week showed that he is in good shape to defend his title when he won stage four at the Tour of Britain.
Boasson Hagen has also carried his Tour de France form into the second part of the season, winning a stage and the overall in the Eneco Tour. One month ago, he also won the Vattenfall Cyclassics race.
“The legs are still good. The world championships are an important goal for me but I'm not panicked. I never stress, there is no reason to,” said the talented Boasson Hagen.
The Norwegians will face a tough challenge particularly from the Belgians who contains a favourite in Philippe Gilbert. Mark Cavendish also has the backing of a strong Great Britain team while Matt Goss will lead Australia’s hopes. Should Hushovd successfully defend his title, he will join a select group of men who have done so including Italian national coach Paolo Bettini and Gianni Bugno.