He’s had the toughest season of his career, with long periods off the bike and a few low-key races, but Thor Hushovd has recovered his motivation and plans to race for at least four more seasons.
“It's the head that decides, but right now I'm really motivated. I feel that I have four more years. Four good years,” he told NRK.no. He missed this year’s Olympic Games, and so riding well in Rio de Janeiro is something which appeals.
Hushovd moved to the BMC Racing Team on a lucrative contract last winter and was determined to have a strong season, with his long-stated goal of winning Paris-Roubaix being the priority. However he never got going, with fifth on a stage of Paris-Nice being his top result.
Below par for the Classics, he started the Giro d’Italia but pulled out after five stages. He missed the Tour de France and also had to scratch from the Tour of Poland and Olympics Games. On August 15th it was announced that his season had been brought to an end.
In July his coach Atle Kvålsvoll told TV2 what the problem was. “After the Giro, he was diagnosed with a viral infection that was holding him back since the beginning of the season. This is mononucleosis or a similar disease…we don’t know exactly when he will be recovered.”
He believes that it is fifteen years since he had such bad shape, with the 1997 season being blighted by knee problems and then motivation issues.
However his strength has returned and he’s looking forward to next season. “I have a good feeling about 2013. This year didn’t go quite as planned, but often when you've had a bad year, then it is much better the next year,” he said. “I have put the disease behind me and the virus is out of the body. I will say that the scene is set for something great,” he says.
Hushovd acknowledges that some believe he’s a spent force, but he states that he’s sure this isn’t the case. He believes he’ll be back to his best and having finished second and third in the race before, he’s determined to try to top the podium in the Hell of the North.
“Paris-Roubaix is the major goal and that's the one I will dream of winning until I retire,” he said. “But generally my goal is to get back into good form and win races.”