Hushovd outsprints the bunch in Californian rain

Thor Hushovd (Cervélo TestTeam) wins

Thor Hushovd (Cervélo TestTeam) wins (Image credit: Jon Devich)

Thor Hushovd (Cervélo TestTeam) sprinted to victory on the wet streets of Modesto at the end of stage three of the the Tour of California. The Norwegian rider won the stage over Oscar Freire (Rabobank) and Mark Renshaw (Team Columbia - Highroad) after an uncomfortably wet and cold day in the saddle.

Hushovd's win came after a textbook leadout by his darkly-clad Cervélo TestTeam mates. They lined up along the finishing circuit and delivered him precisely to the front of the bunch at just the right moment leading up to the line.

"Hayden Roulston started it with a little more than one kilometre to go, then Dominique Rollin pulled into the last corner," said Hushovd. "Then Brett Lancaster took over after the last corner, and I passed him with about 150 metres to go. Our team did a great job today, and I am really thankful. It's the first time we've worked together and it went well, so that was a good start.

"I know that with these guys, we may be one of the best lead-out teams in the world, and I think today that we showed it."

See Cyclingnews.com's full Tour of California coverage for more.

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