Johan Bruyneel motivated Frank Schleck for the coming events of the season
The tension between Frank Schleck and Team RadioShack-Nissan Trek General Manager Johan Bruyneel reached its heights after the cyclist abandoned the Giro d’Italia.
He was riding brilliantly and was a strong contender for the final general classifications before he unfortunately caught up in a crash during the stage 15 of the race.
Frank injured his shoulder and pulled himself out of the Giro.
His actions were questioned by the Team Manager Johan Bruyneel who raised suspicions on whether the injury was severe enough to abandon the race.
While explaining his actions, Bruyneel has now briefed that he never wanted to directly pinpoint Frank and his intensions were only to motivate the team.
He noted, "That is my role as team leader, perhaps it is strange that I air my displeasure through the media, but I hope I both Frank and the other riders are motivated to do better in future”.
“I know that riders are not machines, but sometimes you need to focus their energies through the season. I hope this happens”.
Johan has briefed that his team is performing below average and is hopeful for an improved performance during the Tour of Luxembourg 2012.
On the other hand, Frank Schleck has cited that he is still suffering from the Giro crash and is optimistic to recover in time for the Tour de France.
The 32-year-old rode brilliantly in the past season and occupied the third overall position at the most prestigious race of the season, the Tour de France.
He finished 2 minutes and 30 seconds behind the race leader Cadel Evans of Team BMC with his brother Andy holding the second position.
Frank will now be seen in action at the Tour of Luxembourg and he is not very positive about his current form for the coming race of the season.
"I had and still have pain in my shoulder. I know what I feel,” Frank mentioned.
“I do not have much confidence for the Tour of Luxembourg. But I'm confident that I will be part of the Tour team," he concluded.
Tour of Luxembourg is scheduled from May 30 to June 3 and Johan Bruyneel will watch the race very closely as it will give him a close glimpse of his team’s current form.
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