Hushovd writes Norwegian history

Thor Hushovd, Crédit Agricole's strongman, wrote history by being the first Norwegian cyclist to win the green points jersey in the Tour de France.

"I don't care about not getting a stage win in the Tour," said Hushovd. "It's important to me that I'm writing some history in my own country. Never before a Norwegian rider was on the final podium of the Tour de France. In Norway, I've helped to make cycling popular and I'm in the top five of most popular athletes, with, for example, rally pilot Solberg and skier Björndalen.

"From now on, I want to win green every year!"

Father Per (55) and mum Unni (53) followed their son around France in a camper. Mother Unni was even cooking, as Thor isn't particularly fond of French cuisine.

"I get fed up with all that pasta," said Hushovd. "Most of the time I'll leave the diner table still hungry. Now and then I ask mum to make me some solid Norwegian meals. She always put a delicious cream sauce with it. Kjöttkaker is one of my favourites. That are meatballs with potato flower and fried onions and boiled potatoes."

That beats overcooked haricots verts and boiled chicken.