Thor Hushovd showed that he is no longer just a sprinter as he hauled himself to a win in Lourdes with a magnificent climb. That makes him our Rider of the Day, as judged by Raymond Kerckhoffs.

Stage 13 : Thor Hushovd – Garmin Cervleo

“What a great day for the world champion Thor Hushovd. In a stage that did not really suit his riding style. He attacked at the beginning of the climb of the Col du Ausbisque, but with his big body it’s not easy for him to climb against the smaller riders like Jeremy Roy and David Montcoutie. After a long pursuit with Montcoutie in his wheel he dropped him at 3 km out from the finish. Eight hundred meters further he caught Roy and passed him giving him enough time to celebrate his victory properly at the finish line.

This was highclass cycling. In the first week of the Tour he was impressive in holding the yellow jersey for seven days and staying with the best climbers on the Mur de Bretagne and Super-Besse. Hushovd has shown in this Tour that he is much more than a sprinter. After today he can now be classed an a true all rounder who can win through many different means. His ride today was fitting of a world champion. For everybody who loves cycling, this was a sublime demonstration.”

Judge: Raymond Kerckhoffs (DE TELEGRAFF)

IG Markets Pro Cycling Index Stats of the day:

The Tour de France has only finished once in Lourdes before. It was in 1948. Italian Cycling legend Gino Bartali won the stage.  

Thor Hushovd wins his 9th stage in the Tour de France, his first in the World Champion's jersey.

Hushovd is 2nd rider in last 30 years to win a Tour stage as defending World Champion. Oscar Freire did it in 2002.  

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