“When this opportunity presented itself, it was easy for me to say yes” - Thor Hushovd on becoming the general manager of Uno-X Mobility

After Jens Haugland stepped down as the general manager of Uno-X Mobility in January, it was announced that former World Champion and ten-time Tour de France stage winner Thor Hushovd would take over the role and lead the team going forward.

Considered by many to be one of the greatest Norwegian cyclists of all-time, with stage victories in all three Grand Tours during his sixteen year-long career, giving him an extensive knowledge of professional cycling, which puts him in a good position to manage a team.

In his first interview with the team since entering his new role, Hushovd said “I’ve always had a winning mentality and competitive instinct, and haven’t been scared to set high goals and share them. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t, but I think it’s important to aim high”.

On why he took the role, Hushovd went on to say that “when this opportunity presented itself, it was easy for me to say yes. Challenging, but extremely exciting. The team enjoys a high international standing today, earning great respect within the community and among the world's best cyclists, recognizing the team as a well-organised, healthy, and robust organisation. At the same time, I aim to lift the team to the top level so that we can compete in the biggest cycling races and be part of the big arenas”.

The former rider, who rode for the likes of Crédit Agricole, Cervélo Test Team and BMC Racing Team during his career, was realistic about the job that he was undertaking though, as he stated “Uno-X Mobility is still a ‘small’ team compared to the WorldTour teams in cycling. Of course, it's more exciting for young riders when they get a call from a bigger team to choose them. But we are a team with a strong foundation and identity, and we want to be a place where the next generation of Norwegian and Danish riders feel at home and can develop”.

Hushovd could play a similar role to what Fabian Cancellara has done at Tudor Pro Cycling, in using his reputation within the sport to draw in riders and bring them into the team, as to build a team to compete in the WorldTour, you not only need young talents, but also seasoned and experienced professionals.

After the team rode their first Tour de France in 2023, the aim for this season is to be at the start line for the second year in a row. Norwegian cycling fans are always in attendance at La Grande Boucle, with Hushovd stating that “I vividly remember racing in the Tour de France, where my fellow riders asked me if there were any Norwegians left in Norway. It felt like the entire country had come out to cheer, watch, and be a part of the excitement that the Tour de France and cycling brings. That's the feeling I'm trying to recreate”.