Hushovd claims stage 16 victory

World champion Thor Hushovd today claimed his second stage win of the 2011 Tour de France with victory in a sprint finish in Gap.

Following yesterday’s rest day, the Tour began the final six days of racing with today’s 162.5-kilometre 16th stage from Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux to Gap - a transitional route before the Alpine ascents which will decide who will stand on top of the podium in Paris on Sunday.

A 10-man breakaway was established after 90km and Hushovd broke clear along with Garmin-Cervelo team-mate Ryder Hesjedal and Team Sky’s Edvald Boasson Hagen.

Hushovd, who won last Friday’s stage to Lourdes, received help in the finale from Hesjedal to beat his compatriot Boasson Hagen to the line.