Stomach ache forces Andy Schleck out of the Paris-Nice 2012
Andy Schleck started his 2012 campaign at the second UCI World Tour event, Paris-Nice.
The cyclist struggled during the opening stages of the race and has now decided to abandon the event.
He finished the 9.4 kilometre opening stage of the race at the 142nd position and was more than a minute behind the race leader Gustav Larsson.
Schleck was optimistic during stage 2 but could not get his guts together at the second consecutive day of racing in France.
His struggling form became more evident at the 185 kilometre chase to Orleans, as he stumbled across the finish-line at the 113th position.
The cyclist was keen to start the third stage of the race but the news of his exit came just hours before the event.
Stomach problems is said to be the cause behind his departure from the Paris-Nice 2012, as announced by Team RadioShack-Nissan earlier today.
Tem Director Alain Gallopin told the media, “Already yesterday before the stage, Andy didn't feel good he was able to finish the stage but that cost a lot of energy”.
He continued, “This morning Andy felt better, but in the bus he got stomach problems and high temperature again. That's why we decided not to let him take the start, while not being healthy”.
Andy, who is the main contender to ride the Tour de France 2012, has not registered any victories and the season has already entered its first quarter.
The 26-year-old came close to grabbing his first overall victory at the French Grand Tour during the past season but was denied by Cadel Evans.
Evans defeated Schleck with an overall margin of 1 minute and 34 seconds after the final general classifications.
He was looking ahead to pick up his form at the Paris-Nice and was totally disappointed about abandoning the event.
“I really wanted to try. But against sickness you cannot do a lot. I wanted to perform well in Paris-Nice, but I better not jeopardize the rest of the season. My goals are situated later in the season,” he shared.
The Luxembourg cyclist is considered as the best stage race cyclist in the sport today.
He is definitely amongst the favourites to climb the top podium position during the Tour de France 2012, and Contador’s exit from the event makes him a strong contender for the overall title.
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