Andy Schleck Archives - Page 2 of 2

Andy Schleck has confirmed that he will not participate in this year’s Tour de France. The news first emerged earlier today (June 13) on a Luxembourg news website, but has now been confirmed by the RadioShack-Nissan star. Taking a sharp right in heavy rain 12km into the Time Trial stage at last week’s Crit�rium du Dauphin� he crashed heavily but initially put a brave face on things, commenting, ‘I�ve abandoned too many times this year already’. Eventually though he was forced to retire from competition and an MRI scan earlier this week revealed fractures vertebra, ending his TdF ambitions. Truly sad news for Schleck, but undeniably a boost to both Bradley Wiggins – who went on to win the Crit�rium du Dauphin� in spectacular fashion – and defending Tour Champion Cadel Evans.

The RadioShack-Nissan squad has today (Tuesday, February 6) announced that Andy Schleck has been forced to withdraw from Paris-Nice due to the development of gastroenteritis. Already reportedly unwell during yesterday�s Stage 2 � the 185.5 km, Mantes-la-Jolie to Orl�ans route � Schleck�s condition deteriorated with Team Director Alain Gallopin explaining, �He was able to finish the stage but that costed (sic) a lot of energy. This morning Andy felt better, but in the bus he got stomach problems and high temperature again. That�s why we decided not to let him take the start, while not being healthy.�

In a statement the Luxembourg star said, �I really wanted to try, but against sickness you cannot do a lot. I need to let my body recover from this. This is bad news, I wanted to perform well in Paris-Nice, but I better not jeopardize the rest of the season. My goals are situated later in the season.� Could that be the Tour de France he�s talking about?