Team RadioShack-Nissan lost its chances as Andreas Kloden lost important minutes at the Tour of Basque Country 2012
Team RadioShack-Nissan Trek is amongst the top teams riding the current season and the side is being observed in action at the Tour of Basque Country.
The team is currently seen in action at the ongoing World Tour event with Andreas Kloden leading the Luxembourg based squad at the Spanish event.
Kloden succeeded during the 2011 version of the event but his chances at the ongoing race do not seem very promising.
The German finished the opening stage of the race on the 141st position and finished on the 92nd position during the 165.7 kilometre race.
He currently holds the 137th overall spot after the stage 2 classifications. The cyclist is 5 minutes and 7 seconds behind the current overall leader, Rojas after the second stage.
The 36-year-old is currently suffering from an illness, which is the main reason behind his dipping performance at the season.
He has not registered any wins in the year and is optimistic to open his winning account at the Tour of Basque Country.
He noted, “I am suffering, but this is logical. I was sick after Paris-Nice. I had a fever and then later stomach problems”.
“I had to miss Criterium International because of that. So I miss racing in my legs. Pais Vasco will be hard for me but very useful, too”.
“I figured it was a good moment to try something. One of my goals this season is the Giro d’Italia, so step by step I think I am getting there”.
“After Catalunya I worked really hard. Now I am in better shape. I can see that,” he concluded.
Kloden started riding professionally with Team Telekom in 1998, and stayed with the side till 2006.
He has also represented Team Astana 2007-09 and joined Team RadioShack in 2010-2011. He has now become a permanent part of the newly merged side, Team RadioShack-Nissan-Trek.
The team is currently holding the fifth overall spot after the UCI World Tour Team’s rankings as of April 1, 2012, with a total number of 315 points.
The only two victories by the team came through Fabian Cancellara. He finished first at the Strade Bianche and a stage 7 victory at the Tirreno-Adriatico.
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