Yesterday was a proud day for Norwegians, when cyclists Thor Hushovd and Edvald Boasson Hagen took first and second place, respectively, in Stage 16 of the Tour de France. The race came down to a sprint between the two Norwegians in the final seconds of the race. Amazingly, Hushovd and Boasson Hagan were the only Norwegians competing in the event. Third place went to Canadian Ryder Hesjedal, who also claims one-quarter Norwegian heritage.“It’s surreal," Hushovd said in an interview with NRK. "We are the only two Norwegians here, and we're fighting it out against each other. It’s incredible.”
Since going pro in 2000, Hushovd has competed in 11 Tour de France races.
“I just think I’m lucky to part of this big event,” Hushovd told Viking in an interview this spring. "Everyone's in their best form, so you have to be ready for that," he continued.
To read the interview with Thor Hushovd in its entirety, check out the June issue of Viking!
Note: This entry was updated to reflect clarify Hushovd's victory in Stage 16 of the race.
Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.
Photo courtesty of Global Ref, via Wikimedia Commons