Andy Schleck to skip the Criterium International for the Volta a Catalunya
Andy Schleck will ride the Volta a Catalunya to make up for the lost time at the Paris-Nice 2012.
The cyclist had to abandon the race because of the stomach ache and will now be seen in action at the Spanish event.
Andy is yet to complete his first race of the new season. Team Manager Johan Bruyneel is keen that the cyclist will hit form at the seven-staged race.
The Luxembourg professional cyclist will make amendments in his 2012 schedule and will skip the Criterium International this year.
L’Equipe quoted Bruyneel, “He’s getting better and he’s back on the bike. His programme has changed”.
It was further revealed, “His next race will be the Volta a Catalunya and not the Critérium International, but that doesn’t change anything in his general preparation”.
Andy will represent Team RadioShack- Nissan at the Tour de France 2012 and he will receive huge support from the newly formed team.
Bruyneel noted, “It’s early. He was in quite good condition – not at his peak, but enough to do a good Paris-Nice. When you’re sick, there’s nothing you can do”.
The 26-year-old finished second after the overall classifications at the French race for the third consecutive time.
He has now been declared the overall winner of the Tour de France 2010 after the disqualification of Alberto Contador from the race.
The Spaniard was accused of using clenbuterol during the race and CAS banned him from professional cycling for a period of two years.
The cyclist has also been stripped-off from all the victories since the 2010 edition of the French Grand Tour.
The ban now prevents him from riding the major cycling events of the 2012 season, including the London Olympics, the Tour de France and the Giro d’ Italia.
His absence from the Tour will definitely go in the favour of Andy, as Contador was a strong podium contender for the race.
Volta a Catalunya is scheduled from March 19-25, and Andy is positive to find form at the 91st edition of the race.
The race started back in 1911 and is considered as one of the oldest stage races in the world.
Sebastià Masdeu secured the first edition of the race while Mariano Cañardo holds the honour of winning it for a maximum number of seven times.
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