Tour crash victims to get second chance in Spanish Grand Tour
After a disappointing Tour de France where four of the team’s big name riders crashed out and the others placed last in the overall prize list, netting just €10, 540 for their efforts, the RadioShack squad is looking to bounce back with a strong ride in the Vuelta a España.
According to Wielerflits, two of the leaders who crashed out of the Tour will lead the team in Spain. Andreas Klöden and Janez Brajkovic are the riders in question, and are said likely to be joined by the sprinter Robbie Hunter, US champion Matthew Busche, Nelson Oliveira, Haimar Zubeldia and Tiago Machado, plus two others.
The final lineup will be confirmed closer to the August 20th start in Benidorm.
Brajkovic came to attention five years ago when he briefly led the Vuelta a España. He won the Critérium du Dauphiné in 2010 and had been aiming for a big performance in the Tour. Klöden has twice finished second overall in the Tour de France.
Chris Horner and Levi Leipheimer, who also started the Tour as co-leaders but were affected by crashes, are thought likely to compete in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. It begins two days after the start of the Vuelta.