Fränk Schleck will start next Saturday in the Tour of Italy (May 5-27). The number three finisher in last year’s Tour de France will lead the nine-man squad during the three weeks through Denmark and Italy. Schleck, initially not slated to ride the race, replaces Jakob Fuglsang, suffering from an inflammation of the articular capsule and ligament of the left knee.
“My season was directed at peaking in the Tour”, said Fränk Schleck. “but when you think about it, this situation creates opportunities. For sure, I will come to the start with a different preparation than the other GC riders, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. My condition is not so bad and it can only grow the coming weeks. The Tour of Italy is one of the big monuments of cycling as well, so it is at least a big challenge for me.”
“I see a lot of opportunities for Fränk as well as for the team”, commented Team Manager Johan Bruyneel. “Fränk is a born leader and a team needs a leader. Moreover – though bad luck and circumstances did not provide the right results – he has shown in the last few weeks that his condition has already reached a high level. I am confident he can surprise us in the coming weeks. It all reminds me of the 2008 Tour of Italy when, one week before the start, we got an invitation for the race. In the end we won the Overall.”
