Frank Schleck targeting Vuelta a España having been ruled out of Tour de France
A knee injury ruled Frank Schleck out of the Tour de France, but the Luxembourger is hoping to ride well at the upcoming Vuelta a España
After a knee injury ruled him out of the Tour de France, Trek Factory Racing's Frank Schleck hopes to be a contender at the Vuelta a España, which begins on August 22.
The Luxembourger returns to racing at the Tour of Utah this week in hope of building up race fitness ahead of the three week Grand Tour.
Schleck has only raced one Grand Tour since returning from a doping ban in 2014, finishing 12th in last season's Tour de France - a race he skipped this year due to a recurring injury.
“I had to renounce on being a part of the Tour de France this year because of my injury I had,” Schleck said during the pre-race press conference in Utah. “I ripped up the interior tendon in my knee and I hoped to be back quicker.
“But in Tour de Suisse I realised it’s not going to get any better. So together with the team we decided not to do the Tour.”
Having spent 10 days riding in Utah's Park City preparing for the race, Schleck feels the American race will fit nicely in his training plan.
“It was amazing nice and really, really beautiful and we had some good training at altitude to get ready for the preparation for the Vuelta,” he said. “So the main goal is preparation for the Vuelta, but I think it will suit nicely in the training.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Jonas Vingegaard is 'happy' while Tadej Pogačar calls Tour de France 2025 route 'brutal'
Visma-Lease a Bike sports director Grischa Niermann says course 'certainly appeals' to Dutch squad
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Do cycling jackets have to get a lot worse for the environment to get a bit better?
Will our waterproof cycling rain jackets still keep out the elements now that the old way of manufacturing is being banned
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
Star triathlete Taylor Knibb to take on world's fastest cyclists in the Olympic time trial
Colorado-based 26-year-old Taylor Knibb will be representing Team USA in both the individual time trial and triathlon at the Paris Olympics.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Celebrated pro triathlete Taylor Knibb fourth in her Trek-Segafredo debut
Triathlon star Taylor Knibb signed with Trek-Segafredo mid-season to combine a short road racing calendar with her existing triathlon schedule.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Tweets of the week: Trek's new Lidl kit, Alaphilippe's unusual training and the Cavendish/Thomas show
Your favourite social media roundup from the world of professional cycling
By Adam Becket Published
-
Rider who shot former head of state's cat has Trek-Segafredo contract terminated
Antonio Tiberi was previously suspended without pay, but now fired after his actions during suspension did not meet team's criteria
By Adam Becket Published
-
New Trek Ballista is brand's ‘fastest, most aerodynamic’ helmet yet
Company drew on pros expertise in designing new lid
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Trek-Segafredo get excited about kit, and Tadej Pogačar raps
It might be the off season, but there are still a couple of things happening, kind of
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This was my most beautiful victory' - Giulio Ciccone overwhelmed by Giro d'Italia win
The Italian powered to an impressive solo victory on stage 15 of the Giro on Sunday
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Which WorldTour team has the best kit for 2022? We take a look through the wardrobe
Now almost all the kits are out, here are our measured ratings of racing kit ahead of the 2022 season
By Adam Becket Published