PRESS RELEASE: Team Saxo Bank’s Star From Luxembourg Ends The Season.
The 24-year-old rider’s last race in 2009 was the World Cup in Mendrisio and after a long season, starting in California in February, the Tour de France second place holder is now looking forward to next year.
“It’s been a fantastic season and I am extremely proud of the results that I and the team have achieved. It has also been a long season with the Tour of California as the first race and I feel that my body needs rest. I will not risk pushing myself unnecessarily and put my preparations for next year at risk, so it is definitely the right decision to stop now”, says Andy Schleck, who this year has achieved great triumphs – including a victory in the Classic , Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and a second place overall along with the white jersey of the Tour de France.
“I want to get even stronger for next year and I think I have the age to make even greater improvements. The Tour de France is my big objective and I am convinced that I have a good chance of being at the forefront once againâ€Â, added Schleck.
“Andy has had an excellent season and once again he has shown that he is one of the greatest names in the sport. With the victory in Liege and second place in the Tour he has gone further than living up to expectations and I truly believe that he can fetch even greater results. He has had a long season and we have to be realistic in the terms of not pushing him harder than his physical condition allows. I respect his decision and I think it will help to motivate him to do a great 2010 seasonâ€Â, said team owner Bjarne Riis.
