Hushovd overcomes illness for earlier than expected win

By Francois Thomazeau

ST BRIEUC, France (Reuters) - Norway's Thor Hushovd said his opening win at this year's Tour de France came earlier than expected after overcoming a preparation disrupting illness to claim the second stage on Sunday.

The Credit Agricole rider recorded his sixth Tour stage victory and his sixth win of the season despite being unwell in the build up to Saturday first stage in Brest.

"I was already relieved to finish 15th in the first stage with such a hard finale as the one we had yesterday," Hushovd told reporters.

"But this morning I was feeling much stronger. Confident I could win. Now it came almost sooner than I expected."

Hushovd won the prologue in Strasbourg two years ago and had thought the absence of the opening time trial this year would have worked against him.

"At first I thought it might be a disadvantage but today I won, so it was not the case," the Norwegian said after snatching victory from Luxembourg's Kim Kirchen and Germany's Gerald Ciolek.

Hushovd has only once won two stages in the same Tour when he also took the final stage in Paris two years ago but did not think an immediate repeat would happen in Monday's third stage to Nantes.

"I'm not a true sprinter like Mark Cavendish or Robbie McEwen, who are unbeatable on flat terrain. I'm a little bit more energetic, I don't mind a little hill at the finish," he said.

Hushovd's victory was also a morale boosting one for his team who are seeking a sponsor for next season.

"Obviously, the Tour is such a big showcase that a victory like this is a great help," Credit Agricole team director Roger Legeay said.

(Editing by Padraic Halpin)