Alexander Kristoff expresses no resentment towards Uno-X despite his exclusion from the Tour de France team.
Alexander Kristoff couldn't hide his disappointment but kept a cool head after being left off Uno-X Mobility's eight-man roster for this year's Tour de France. The veteran cyclist, who's retiring in 2025, had hoped to end his career with one last ride in the iconic race.
Kristoff, a four-time stage winner at the Tour, has had an impressive career spanning 11 editions. However, this time around, the team opted for Søren Wærenskjold and Stian Fredheim as their go-to sprinters.
Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster TV2.no, Kristoff acknowledged the decision, saying, "I'm a bit disappointed, but I can understand the team's reasoning. Stian Fredheim has performed well this year and made progress. It's probably also a decision for the future."
Uno-X Mobility Manager Thor Hushovd admitted that the decision wasn't easy, especially considering Kristoff's long and distinguished career. He emphasized that the team is focusing on nurturing upcoming talent.
"It's difficult with Alexander Kristoff, given his achievements over the years. But we're looking to the future, and there are many young riders coming up. That's how it turned out this year," Hushovd explained.
Kristoff, despite his feelings, maintained a professional demeanor. He's had one win this season, at the Vuelta a Andalucía, and several podium finishes in the Tour of Turkey and Tour of Norway.
In his place, the team selected Wærenskjold, who won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and Fredheim, who excels in both semi-hard sprint stages and challenging climbs. The duo has shown consistency and strong finishing abilities, making them ideal choices for the demanding Tour de France.
While Kristoff took the snub like a champ, Fredrik Dversnes, another rider left off the team, wasn't as gracious. He hinted that his upcoming wedding might have played a role in the decision, though Uno-X Mobility Manager Hushovd denied any such influence.
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Alexander Kristoff, despite his illustrious career in cycling spanning over eleven Tour de France appearances and four stage wins, was not selected to represent Uno-X Mobility for this year's Tour de France. Kristoff shared his disappointment but understood the team's decision, with Uno-X Mobility focusing on nurturing upcoming talent, as indicated by their selection of Søren Wærenskjold and Stian Fredheim for this year's race.
