Uno-X manager hopes to "wake up the beast" in Soren Waerenskjold: "The young riders have to spread their wings more"

Despite the number of promising youngsters racing for Uno-X Mobility, it's still the road captain Alexander Kristoff leading the team in most races. 13 years younger Soren Waerenskjold was thought to become his successor by now, but that Norwegian giant is yet to truly break through.

When asked when Wærenskjold will take over the captaincy of the Uno-X Mobility team from the 37-year-old Kristoff, the boss makes a clear call to the mandalite: "Can't you help me get him to point his elbows?! I want him to be annoyed and for him to think that he is going to outperform Kristoff, and not just become his charmer," says Hushovd to TV 2.

"The young riders have to spread their wings more. That's how it should be. You don't get a seat; you have to claim your place. And then of course you have to earn the place. But we have to wake up the beast in Søren," says Hushovd.

Wærenskjold won races in Belgium, France, Saudi Arabia and Norway in 2024. He also took a top ten place in Paris-Roubaix, but did not reach his maximum potential in the Tour de France, the Olympics or the World Championships. He himself describes the season as "fair enough", but is no stranger to taking on more responsibility next year.

"There will probably be a little more in due course. At least in the classics that suit me best. Then we'll see if I get a bigger leadership role. But Alex is still there, and he is the grandfather of the team," says a chuckling southerner.

Isn't it about time to take over as leader? "Yes, but he puts in a "damn" job. And he wins many races at the end of the season. It's amazing how he manages to motivate himself. But he says he's on holiday when he's on a trip with us, compared to when he's at home with four kids!"