Frank Shleck will not be at the start of Wednesday’s stage 11 in the Vuelta A Espana. The Luxemburger from Team Saxo Bank will be operated on his injured knee on Friday, forcing him to miss the World Championships that take place later this month in Mendrosio, Switzerland.
The 29 year old who was fifth in this year’s Tour de France has complained about knee problems ever since his crash in the Amstel Gold Race earlier this year. Luxembourg will now be relying on Andy Shleck and Kim Kirchen, both riders pulled out of the Vuelta earlier this week.
Vincenzo Nibali’s (Liquigas) season has also come to an end. The young Italian still suffers from a broken collarbone after crashing in the Eneco Tour. After finishing seventh in the Tour de France, Nibali will have to miss the Tour of Lombardy and the World Championships.