"It's a big relief... it means a lot for the future of Uno-X Mobility" - Thor Hushovd breathes sigh of relief after Tour de France wildcard is confirmed
Cycling
After months of waiting, official confirmation of a wildcard for the 2025 Tour de France, finally arrived for Uno-X Mobility earlier today. For the Norwegian team, it marks a third successive year in which they have competed in the biggest race on the cycling calendar.
I've received positive signals throughout this process, which I've mentioned several times, but there's something special about finally getting it confirmed by the organizers. It’s been a long few weeks and months of waiting, so this is a relief,” says Uno-X Mobility boss and ten-time Tour de France stage winner Thor Hushovd in post-announcement comments to TV2. "It means a lot. Of course, we would have continued with the team even if we hadn’t been invited, but if we are to recoup the investment in the cycling team, 80-85% of its value comes from the Tour de France. It’s just that big."
"It means a lot. It means a lot for the cyclists, it means a lot for the future of Uno-X, and it means a lot for where we go as a team," Hushovd continues. "It’s the biggest event you can ride in, and it’s incredibly important for the team and for cycling fans. So, it’s very important, and I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun this year too."
With the official confirmation of their wildcard now having arrived, Hushovd and the rest of Uno-X Mobility can now begin to prepare for the French Grand Tour, although a provisional selection is still some way off. "Expectations are rising quickly, so there's no doubt that stage wins will be the goal. We also need to be visible, especially more visible in the mountains. We need to get our best climbers, especially Tobias Johannessen, up front," explains the 47-year-old. "And we need to get Andreas Leknessund back to his old self."
The star of Uno-X Mobilty's Tour de France appearances so far, has been Jonas Abrahamsen. Although a stage win has so far proven illusive for him and the team, this year 29-year-old is looking to change that. "We got a lot of attention for the jerseys we wore last year, but this year, the big goal is to win a stage," he adds in conclusion.
With the likes of Soren Waerenskjold, Alexander Kristoff, Magnus Cort Nielsen and Andreas Kron among others also potentially to be added to the aforementioned Abrahamsen, Johannessen and Leknessund, the chances could be better than ever for an Uno-X Mobility Grand Tour stage win in 2025.
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💛 23 équipes au départ… pic.twitter.com/XjmxX6EjbI
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KerisVroom03-04-2025 - If he's very lucky maybe he can podium a Tour one season, I certainly don't believe he can win it, evervappaxbipmv03-04-2025