We talk to Cervelo TestTeam's experienced sprinter ace Thor Hushovd before the start of the Tour de France 2009.

What are the goals of Cervélo TestTeam in the Tour de France 2009?
We have two goals, of course with Carlos Sastre to win the yellow jersey. He won it last year and I think he can make it also this year. That is the team’s main goal and then the second goal is for me to go for the green jersey the sprints.

Which you would prefer, a stage win or the green jersey?
I would like the green jersey. Normally when you win the green jersey you’ve taken a stage win as well, but my main goal is the green jersey.

How did you prepare for the Tour de France 2009 and the contest for the green jersey? Did you do specific training to prepare your body to be able to face and cross the mountains?
Of course, if you would like to win the green jersey you have also to pass the mountains but I think with the experience I have it is okay now. I worked a lot on the sprints in order to be stronger in the sprints. When I was preparing for the spring classics I often did a long ride and then you are not so fast anymore, but now for the sprints I have to be faster.

Do you believe that you can beat Mark Cavandish in the Tour de France?
Oh yes, for sure. He has a good team and is in a good shape, but I already beat him at the Tour of California where he was also with a strong team. So, in my mind I have this win and I think we have no reason to be afraid and that we must just surprise him. I have also a strong men with Haussler, Lancaster, and Roulston.

Which team will be the strongest sprinter team in the Tour de France 2009 - Columbia-HTC or Cervélo TestTeam?
I think both our teams should be leaders in sprints.

Do you believe that it is possible for a team to successfully aim for both the yellow and the green jersey in the Tour?
Yes, I think that should be possible.

Is it a problem to have two sprinters on the Tour team?
Heinrich Haussler was very strong in the classics, he had some wins and I was helping him. It is normal that in the Tour de France you have to focus on one and this year the focus will be on me. But he will be a great help for me.

Is it difficult to build up a lead-out system for the sprints on a team like this?
Of course it is not easy to do it as we are not always together. But the important thing is to trust the person in front of you. That is the main point.

What do you think about Tour stage in Barcelona?
I haven’t checked out all the sprint stages in details, but I would like to show a great performance in Perpignan as I lived there for couple of years - and after the success in Vuelta a Catalyana it would be great to show my strength there again.

And what are your thoughts on the individual time trial in Monaco, where you are living?
The time trial will be tough for a guy like me. I think that it is more something for GC riders like Carlos Sastre, Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, and Cadel Evans.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us at RoadCycling.com before the 2009 Tour de France. The whole team here at RoadCycling.com wish you great success in the Tour.
You’re welcome – and thank you very much.

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