RadioShack Nissan rider still suffering from effects of Dauphiné crash
Several weeks after his RadioShack Nissan team said that he’d ride the USA Pro Cycling Challenge rather than the Vuelta a España due to a slow recovery from his June crash, Andy Schleck has been forced to miss the American race.
The 2010 Tour de France winner is still trying to get over the fall, which happened when a gust of wind hit him during the Critérium du Dauphiné time trial. He suffered a fractured sacrum as a result and, according to team spokesman Philippe Maertens, the after-effects are still bothering him.
“When he trains up to three hours, he still has pain in his back,” he told the Denver Post. “His training level is not good enough. He can’t do a long training ride.”
Although he finished back in 33rd overall last year, he rode aggressively at times during the race and was a popular draw.
The team has named its selection; the ever-popular Jens Voigt will be on the team, as well as Jakob Fuglsang, Chris Horner, Andreas Klöden, George Bennett, Matthew Busche, Ben King and Oliver Zaugg.
Fuglsang has been sidelined from several big races as he is leaving the squad at the end of the year. The Astana team confirmed yesterday that he had inked a three year deal.
It is not yet clear what Schleck’s plans are for 2013. He has a contract with RadioShack Nissan but relations are strained with the team due to delays in paying his salary this year, and there is speculation that he might head elsewhere.
His brother Frank also had payment issues, and has an additional concern as he tested positive for a banned diuretic in the Tour de France. His disciplinary hearing is yet to be held, but he faces a possible suspension from the sport.
The RadioShack Nissan team will hope that its other riders can shine in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Fuglsang, Horner and Klöden each have the ability to win if they are in peak form.
The 2.HC race begins on Monday in Durango.