Vuelta a España: Fränk Schleck sits sixth overall, but aims for first
Luxembourger Fränk Schleck is full of optimism heading into the Vuelta a España’s toughest stages. Yesterday, he moved from 10th to sixth overall after the stage finish up the Peña Cabarga climb.
Schleck, however, aims for the top spot of the Vuelta a España.
“My form is improving day by day,” he said in a Vuelta a España press release, “the podium and even the overall win is still within reach.”
The 30-year-old is encouraged to aim for the overall win based on his improving form. The Vuelta a España is only his second race after he had to abandon the Tour de France on the fourth day of racing. He crashed on the stage to Arenberg, fractured his collarbone in three spots and underwent an immediate operation to help the bone heal faster.
“I understand that many people must have previously been sceptical about my ability because I came here to the Vuelta after an eight-week break due to of my crash in the Tour de France, which fractured my collarbone in three spots. But I am moving towards my best level again.”
Schleck’s brother Andy went on to finish second at the Tour de France behind Alberto Contador. In Spain, Fränk is team Saxo Bank’s leader and led the team to a sixth place yesterday on the moutain stage to Peña Cabarga.
Spaniard Joaquím Rodríguez (Katusha) won the stage and now sits second overall behind Italian Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Doimo), who took over the general classification leadership yesterday. There are three more mountain stages, though: the stage to Lagos de Covadonga today, Cotobello tomorrow and one on the penultimate day, Saturday.
“It was very particular climb [yesterday], and it suited Joaquím Rodríguez and Vincenzo Nibali very well,” said Schleck. “Monday’s [tomorrow – ed.] final favours me, so I am full of confidence. I’ve come to win the race, my training is paying off.”
Fränk Schleck started today’s 187.3-kilometre stage from Solares to Lagos de Covadonga with a 2’12” deficit to Nibali. Lagos de Covadonga is one of Spain’s most demanding climbs at 12.6 kilometres long, an average grade of 7.3 per cent and a vertical gain of 1,056 metres.
Schleck has the support of team-mates Gustav Larsson and Anders Lund to race over the mountain climbs, but misses his brother. Team boss, Bjarne Riis, ejected Andy Schleck and Saxo Bank team-mate Stuart O’Grady from the race for having a late night drink prior to Tuesday stage.