«Is the Uno X surprising me? Not too much, in the sense that this is a very clear and ambitious team project. Behind the historic entry into the absolute pinnacle of world cycling, there is work that started years ago, thanks to Thor Hushovd's expertise and the convinced support of sponsors. I believe that at the core of everything is determination, which is the same determination of the substantial riders who make up the roster». 

Our Cicerone has quite a say (Olympic gold in Munich '72, world title in individual pursuit in San Sebastian in '73, six stages at the Giro d'Italia) when talking about the magic moments of Norwegian cycling. Knut Knudsen, honorary citizen of the Viterbo center that has become a sort of Oslo enclave, maintains a special relationship with the Bel Paese, on our roads he found glory that was certainly not ephemeral and has just celebrated his 75th birthday (on October 12th) in his "own" Vasanello. With the champion with the onomatopoeic surname, we'll proceed in order, not without having expressed a bit of envy towards that 5-million-inhabitant nation fresh from entering the World Tour.

A lot of time has passed since you first started with Jolly Ceramica, not by chance...
«There could have been uncertainties about adaptation, yet in the Vicenza area I was immediately treated like a son and welcomed wonderfully by my Venetian teammates. Already in the first year, I learned a lot from Marino Basso and fully integrated into your cycling, as the team's ambitions grew».

Norway "only" a land of great sprinters and time trial specialists?
«I'd say we can be competitive in all types of races, following the Danish example. The sixth place of Tobias Johannesen at the Tour de France cannot go unnoticed, especially because he is an athlete who can still give a lot (we're talking about the winner of the 2021 Tour de l'Avenir, ed.), just as, still referring to Uno X, there was the 2025 victory of Abrahamsen in the Tour de France stage in Toulouse, or the recent success of Loland at the Giro del Veneto»

A label of solid riders perhaps a bit unfair compared to talent?
«No, it's fine, I recognize in the group of Norwegian riders a surplus of motivations and willingness to suffer that was also mine, both as a track rider and later on the road, when I was not content with my first career achievements. From this point of view, moving to an absolute level team like Bianchi did not scare me, quite the opposite».

Uno X, a Scandinavian multinational: it reminds a bit of Bianchi Piaggio where there were also Swedish riders Prim and Johannson?
«Back then Sweden had already won a Giro with Petterson and I see signs of revival of that tradition. Speaking of Denmark that you know, in Norway we also have a great youth scene supporting the future ambitions of a team created to retain or attract talents».

Cycling-wise, Italy has given you so much: what's your most beautiful personal memory?
«I can't forget the success of the first Giro stage in 1975, from Milan to Fiorano Milanese, especially because I won by beating Van Linden and other prominent names. And it was May 17th, Norwegian national day: it was truly incredible».

We are forced to ask about the 1979 Giro and a fall in Pieve di Cadore that eliminated you...
«I know that year I had improved a lot, as evidenced by my first overall place at Tirreno Adriatico. Even today I don't quite understand how I was thrown to the ground by a car, I accept these race circumstances». 

In '79, it's nice to recall the Laigueglia success for the compliments received.
«Those were from a certain Giancarlo Ferretti, who during the training camp on the Riviera already used me as an example for dedication in training. I would go out even in the afternoon, unlike my teammates, and in this choice I see the way we Norwegians interpret sport».

And how do you end up in Vasanello?
«Thanks to compatriots who already in the '80s had opened a hotel in this small town near the Umbrian border. Cycling tours among compatriots became increasingly frequent, in the Casa Etronia project I also met friends Sven Langholm, former cyclist, and Uld Moen, a glory of Norwegian football, but above all this place has entered my heart, I bought a house in the historic center and I live here for most of the year». 

What captured you?
«Vasanello is how I imagine Italy, welcoming and with a genuine way of living, just like the grapes we just harvested».

Do you still ride a bike?
«Enjoying every pedal stroke without pushing too hard, between a culinary break and contact with nature. Oh, I'll add that I ride a Bianchi and in Norway I still go out with the same bicycle from 1981, it weighs a bit more than modern ones but that doesn't matter».

Have you heard Thor Hushovd on Norwegian TV expressing interest in Skjellemose?
«Well, the type of World Tour calendar requires an increased number of riders, the Uno X managers know this well, a fuel distribution chain extended throughout Norway. I'm confident because it's not a step longer than the leg, extreme planning and enthusiasm should not be contrasted». 

In conclusion, is the Norwegian candidacy for the Tour 2030 Grand Depart solid?
«It may seem like a dream, given the importance of this cycling event, yet look at how much interest and participation level has grown in the Tour of Norway. Add the promotion of Uno X and you'll see that the Grande Boucle objective is not so far away...».

In the photo, Knudsen is first on the left, Sven Langholm on the right, and the Casa Etronia guest in the center