PARIS, Feb 2, 2010 (AFP) – Norwegian Thor Hushovd has pulled out of the Etoile de Besseges stage race because of a severe chill, his Cervelo team said Tuesday.

Hushovd, the green jersey champion from the 2009 Tour de France, will now get his early season campaign up and running at the Tour of the Algarve in Portugal, beginning February 17.

The Etoile de Besseges is held in southern France from February 3-7 and suits riders of all capabilites. France’s Thomas Voeckler is the defending champion.