The reigning Norwegian road champion says he has big ambitions to add to his team-best five victories – which include stages 3 and 5 at the Tour de Pologne last week – during the four-day race that begins Thursday.

"I have two goals: to win a stage and to win the overall as well," Hushovd said. "I haven't really looked at the last three kilometres of every stage, which is really what counts. But I think it's possible to have a bunch sprint on all four stages."

Joining the former world road champion on the BMC Racing Team's six-man roster is Adam Blythe, Martin Kohler, Sebastian Lander, Dominik Nerz and Silvan Dillier. Hushovd said he is proud to be competing in a race that will showcase his home country. "I look forward to bringing the whole team up there and having all my colleagues see that part of Norway because it's really beautiful there," he said.

BMC Racing Team Assistant Director Yvon Ledanois said he hopes to continue the momentum brought on by the team's recent success that included six wins in an 11-day span the past two weeks. "I'm excited to see what we can do after Thor's success in Poland," Ledanois said. "I know that Norway is a big objective for him and we have the perfect mix of younger riders and veterans for this type of race."

BMC Racing Team Arctic Race of Norway Roster (Aug. 8-11):
Adam Blythe (GBR), Silvan Dillier (SUI), Thor Hushovd (NOR), Martin Kohler (SUI), Sebastian Lander (DEN), Dominik Nerz (GER).