Set to retire at the end of the season, Sebastien Hinault is going into his final races as a professional. He will use the Arctic Race of Norway to prepare for the Vuelta which will be the final grand tour of his career.

Six weeks without taking part in any official racing has not dulled the motivation and enthusiasm of the IAM Cycling veteran.  The 40 year old Sébastien Hinault is ready and has done everything possible to get his racing legs back in time to compete at the Artic Race of Norway. 

“I am very happy to be racing this event which started last year under the auspices of Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO).  I took part in some criteriums to keep the speed in the legs, but it is not the same thing.  In official competition, there is still a higher level.  But I am not worried and I especially look forward to this experience. I appreciate the opportunity to come for the first time to this country so far north.”
 
After his sixth place finish in the French national road race championships, Hinault, who comes from Brittany, took a break and then gradually resumed his training schedule.  His goal is to be fit for the Artic Race of Norway before he prepares to race his final Tour of Spain before he retires.  “

I am pleased to be participating in the Vuelta.  I have raced it three times and even managed to win a stage in 2008 (the 9th in front of Mondory, Van Avermaet, Freire and Boonen to Saragosse).  So I have very good memories there.  The pressure at the Vuelta is less intense than at the Tour de France, but it is still a great race to ride.”   

IAM for the Arctic Race of Norway:

Matthias Brändle (Aut), Martin Elmiger (S), Sondre Hoslt Enger (Nor), Sébastien Hinault (F), Roger Kluge (Ger), Thomas Löfkvist (Swe)