Frank Schleck starts off his season with the Mallorca Challenge
Luxembourg professional cyclist Frank Schleck kicked off his 2012 campaign at the Mallorca Challenge on Sunday. He represented Team RadioShack-Nissan along with his brother Andy at the race.
Frank told Le Quotidien “It’s a criterium, so it’s ideal for turning the legs. We’re going there calmly, because it’s time to start again. All the team is happy to be there, it’s a good work out. Of course we won’t be looking for results here. For us, the
first test will be Paris-Nice”.
A total number of nine cyclists to represent the Luxembourg team are: Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck, Daniele Bennati, Andreas Kloden, Haimar Zubeldia, Jakob Fuglsang, Jens Voigt, Jesse Sergent and Thomas Rohregger.
Team RadioShack-Nissan is amongst the strongest sides for the 2012 season and its main target is the Grand Tours towards the later part of the year.
The Schleck brothers will ride separately after the Mallorca challenge, Frank will ride the Ruta del Sol whereas, Andy is lining up for the Tour of Oman.
The duo will be seen together again at the Paris-Nice scheduled in March.
Frank believes that his teammate Andreas Kloden is more suited for Paris-Nice and he has strong chances to claim the title.
The German cyclist won the race 12 years ago and, with Andy’s support, he has bright prospects of repeating his previous performance at the race.
On commenting on the Paris-Nice, Frank briefed, “I think it’s going to suit Andreas Klöden perfectly. He won the race twelve years ago on that exact final stage. But with Andy, we’ll definitely be in good form”.
Frank participated in as many as 9 Grand Tours. He has one Giro, six Tours and two Vuelta a Espana participations to his credit.
His best performance was during the Tour de France 2011. The 31-year-old finished third during the previous edition of the French Grand Tour.
Australian cyclist, Cadel Evans won the overall classifications, with his brother, Andy, claiming the second position.
Both Andy and Frank will represent Team RadioShack-Nissan at the Tour de France 2012.
Team’s General Manager, Johan Bruyneel is optimistic that his side will fill its bags with the win at the most prestigious cycling event.
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