Wednesday: See team presentation at 18.30
Alexander Kristoff (35) is in place in the Tour de France for the ninth time. Even though the Stavanger guy is youthfully dressed with his cap on, he realizes that it is starting to get far up to Thor Hushovd’s ten stage victories in the Tour de France.
– I hope for stage victory again. Are there four I have? I remember when I was young and was going to catch up with Thor Hushovd. Then I have a lot to catch up on, Kristoff laughs.
– I feel the form is good. Even though there was a sprint loss in the NM, it was a bit as expected as it developed. I think I am where I need to be, says Kristoff.
The father of four notices that he does not get the same butterflies in his stomach now as in the first Tour editions he participated in. It may be a bit related to a busier everyday life at home.
– It’s a bit heavy to leave home. I will not hide that. It was more exciting the first years when I did not have so many kids, Kristoff chuckles.
The cycling star is happy that the kindergarten is open throughout the summer. Then his wife Maren gets some relief. The two twins Louie and Luca are two years old. In addition, the couple has schoolboys Leo and Liam.
– I bet that my wife survives and manages it well. I know it will be tough as a single mother for one month, but she probably handles it better than most, Kristoff praises.
– IMPORTANT SUPPORTER: Kristoff is happy that the kindergarten is open, so that his wife gets some help. Here from Bergen WC 2017. Photo: Marit Hommedal
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This year’s Tour edition will be tough. Especially for the sprinters.
– I know there are some opportunities in the beginning. After the first week, it looks a bit heavy, simply. There are many days between each chance, says the 35-year-old.
In the fifth stage, the riders will force eleven cobblestone sections in a stage reminiscent of Paris-Roubaix. Kristoff is looking forward to that.
– It is a stage that should suit me well. I have mostly driven through the entire trail. It’s the Roubaix trail, just a little easier. We do not drive the worst stretches, but I still think it can split, he says.
The veteran is pleased that there are six Norwegians at the start.
– Then there will be a number of Norwegians to talk to in the group two, he smiles.
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