Frank Schleck likely to lead Team RadioShack-Nissan at the Tour de France 2012
Frank Schleck is having a disappointing season with zero victories in his bag after the first half of the season.
He was leading Team RadioShack-Nissan at the Giro d’Italia and was looking good to claim an overall victory at the event.
The Luxembourg professional cyclist crashed during the Italian Grand Tour and had to withdraw from the race.
He was recently seen in action at the Tour de Suisse and Frank was holding the second overall spot before the start of the final stage.
Rui Alberto Da Costa was leading the category with a margin of 14 seconds over Schleck with Levi Leipheimer, Robert Gesink, Mikel Nieve Ituralde holding the third, the fourth and the fifth positions respectively.
The 32-year-old was positive to bridge the gap and climb the top podium spot after the final general classifications.
He told Nieuwsblad.be, "You must seize every opportunity".
"I am very motivated here in Switzerland. In last Sunday's stage to Verbier I launched my attack a little too early, but now I waited for the right moment”.
“I felt good and the team is strong. Everything is still possible in the final stage. I believe in the victory".
"The big climbs are much harder than today but in the middle of the stage; then the final climb which is not as hard".
“But it's a hard race and anything can still happen".
Frank tried his best during the race but could not match the likes of in-form Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa.
He is most likely to lead Team RadioShack-Nissan at the Tour de France 2012 and the cyclist will miss the services of his brother Andy at the race.
Top ten cyclists after the Tour de Suisse final classifications is as under,
1
Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa (Por) Movistar Team
35:54:49
2
Frank Schleck (Lux) RadioShack-Nissan
0:00:14
3
Levi Leipheimer (USA) Omega Pharma - QuickStep
0:00:21
4
Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team
0:00:25
5
Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
0:00:40
6
Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
0:00:47
7
Thomas Danielson (USA) Garmin-Barracuda
0:00:48
8
Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team
0:00:59
9
Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Movistar Team
0:01:42
10
Nicolas Roche (Irl) AG2R La Mondiale
0:01:52
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