Hushovd edges thrilling road race finale

Thor Hushovd won the men's elite title at cycling's Road World Championships, charging clear of a bunch sprint to edge out Denmark's Matti Breschel.

Britain's Mark Cavendish was one of several pre-race contenders who failed to last the pace, pulling out late on.

Australia's Allan Davis took bronze as Hushovd clinched Norway's first ever gold medal in the category.

The 32-year-old waited until the final 100m of the 750m home straight before unleashing his powerful sprint.

"It's hard to understand I've won the Worlds. It's a dream, it's unreal," said an elated Hushovd afterwards.

The two-time Tour de France points champion crossed the line in six hours 21.49 seconds in Melbourne.

Filippo Pozzato of Italy was fourth and Greg van Avermaet of Belgium fifth, with Australia's defending champion Cadel Evans 17th among a field of 178 riders.

The first 18 finishers were credited with the same time as Hushovd.

"Now I will just enjoy this, try to enjoy every day... just look at the jersey because I had this chance and maybe it won't happen again," he added.

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