Says spectacle at the cost of rider safety is unacceptable
Team Saxo Bank leader Fränk Schleck has lashed out at the organizers of the Tour de France, Amaury Sports Organization [ASO], for trying to sensationalize their race by adding some cobblestone sectors used in Paris-Roubaix during stage three. Schleck crashed heavily along the route that day and broke his collarbone which forced him to abandon the race.
The people who are planning the Tour route have no right to gamble with the riders’ health just to make a spectacular race,” Schleck told Ekstra Bladet.
“There are parents, spouses and children [of the riders] that are watching the Tour on television. How do you think they feel when they see their son, husband or father crash? They are afraid. It’s terrible for them,” he added.
Schleck, who recently became a father, questioned whether the organizers have any compassion for the riders.
“Do the people who design the route have any children? I don’t think that race organizers have sons who are competing in races,” he continued.
Grand Tour organizers have been at odds with riders for racing conditions before, but Schleck was particularly upset about ASO including a section where it was almost certain there would be casualties.
“Crashing is a part of cycling, but it is not entertainment. There are riders who never get up again [from a crash]. We have seen crashes that have left people in wheelchairs,” Schleck explained.
“No one should design a route that almost suggests a crash, let alone in the Tour de France. There is no rider that would be really happy to win the Tour de France if it was because Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck were out,” he contemplated.
The Luxembourg champion came into the Tour de France fresh off a win at the Tour de Suisse. He was poised to put in a strong ride alongside his younger brother Andy, so watching at home is especially frustrating.
“That is what I am most angry about. As I was lying there on the pavement I was really angry and frustrated. I had done everything right, and I had no doubts about my ability.
“The team rode perfectly, the mechanics, condition and equipment was top notch. I had a really great chance to get on the podium, and now I have to spend my Tour here [at home].
“It still makes me angry when I think of it,” Schleck concluded.
He will now focus on recovering and plans to return to racing with brother Andy at the Vuelta a España. Schleck hopes to be back on the trainer in just over a week’s time.