RadioShack-Leopard-Trek

In Spain, American veteran Chris Horner pulled out of the week-long Catalunya tour Tuesday, complaining of intense knee pain. He is scheduled to go to a Swiss hospital this week for consultations.

“Already at Tirreno, he had some knee pain. [Monday] everything went well in the first part of the stage, but in the final, the pain started all over again,” sport director José Azevedo said on the team’s Web site. “[Tuesday] morning, Chris even had trouble walking. Chris will have his knee examined in a hospital in Basel.”

The pain is a setback for Horner, who came gangbusters to finish sixth at a hard-fought Tirreno-Adriatico earlier this month. It’s unclear if he will be…”

Read the full story on velonews.competitor.com

Photo: TrekJapan

Radioshack-Leopard-Trek

Becca also was not satisfied with Andy Schleck’s explanation of an alleged drunken episode and warned his troubled captain that he needed to bring in good results in races, as does the whole team.

On Tuesday, L’Equipe reported that RadioShack would not renew its sponsorship, due to a combination of corporate financial difficulties and problems within cycling and the team itself.

That story “is pure speculation,” Becca told Wort.lu. “We don’t…”

Read the full story on cyclingnews.com

Photo: Radioshack Leopard Trek

Andy Schleck (RadioShack-Leopard-Trek) has dismissed reports that he was drunk in a Munich hotel on the way home from Tirreno-Adriatico, saying he is training hard and optimistic about making a successful comeback despite his troubled start to the season.

Speaking to RTL television in Luxembourg, Andy Schleck admitted that his return from an injury-hit 2012 season is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. In a further blow, French newspaper L’Equipe reported that RadioShack will end its sponsorship of the team this year.

“The Munich story is ridiculous. I forgot pretty fast about it and don’t want to comment on it anymore,” he said, referring to the Facebook posting by a French politician last week.

“I’m fine. The good weather has…”

Read the full story on cyclingnews.com

Photo:

Another Paris-Nice is done. And if you want to look at it from a certain perspective, one could say the circle closes slowly. Due to a really brutal winter in Berlin, I came into this year’s Paris-Nice seriously undertrained. And the results were equally brutal, at least in the beginning.

Already on the first stage I was dropped with about 50 other riders. Now let me be honest here; the last time that happened to me on a flat stage, was probably in my very first Paris-Nice. Yes that would be way back in 1998. And now, about 15 years later I am back at this point. But that’s the way it goes. I can’t complain, really. I had some fantastic years and great times in between 1998 and 2013.

A small circle also closed for me this year on Stage 5. I went into a break. Towards the finish I got caught and dropped from the front group. And as I passed the finish line I heard the typical ASO music which they always play at their races, and I see Richie Porte getting the yellow jersey.

Three years ago, in the 2010 Paris-Nice I managed to…

Read Jens Voigt’s full blog entry

Photo:

Fabian Cancellara

“I’m happy to make it here (San Remo). To battle to win and to bring home a win would have been better and so I was initially upset but in the end, I placed third. It’s not bad. I think we can put away any excuses because to arrive here is a victory in itself,” he said after the podium ceremony.

“I’m sorry that it hasn’t been a true San Remo. A true San Remo is the Turchino, Manie and the Primavera. It was not even the spring compared to yesterday.”

Fabian Cancellara was part of the front group that formed over the top of the Poggio. He closely marked Peter Sagan but…

Read the full story on cyclingnews.com

Photo:

Radioshack Leopard Trek

Where: Spain
When: March 18-24, 2013

The Volta a Catalunya is a popular road bicycle race held annually in Catalonia, Spain. It is a part of the UCI World Tour programme, ranking second behind the Vuelta a España in popularity for Spain. Due to its place in the riding calendar (after the Giro d’Italia), it was long viewed as an important Tour de France preparation race for cyclists. After the inauguration of the ProTour, the race moved to May, making it an alternative for the Giro. This didn’t prove to be a successful change, and for the 2010 season, the race organisation announced a move to late March, the date formerly held by another Catalan stage race, the Setmana Catalana. The first edition was held in January and lasted for three days. (Wikipedia)

Radioshack Leopard Trek Riders:
George Bennett, Matthew Busche, Chris Horner, Robert Kišerlovski, Tiago Machado, Nelson Oliveira, Thomas Rohregger & Haimar Zubeldia

Directors: José Azevedo & Josu Larrazabal

Race website: www.voltacatalunya.cat (No English version)

“Since the whole injury that happened in 2012, we really focussed on the physical side of things and probably underestimated the psychological recovery that is also necessary,” a team spokesman told VeloNation today. “That is going to be our prime priority now.”

Andy Schleck started the stage a respectable 84th out of 163 riders, 32 minutes 27 seconds behind race leader Chris Froome (Team Sky). While he’s still a long way off the form which…

Read more on velonation.com

Photo: Radioshack Leopard Trek

Chris Horner

While Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and Alberto Contador (Team Saxo-Tinkoff) consumed vital energy by going on the attack in the final three kilometres, Horner kept his powder dry and did everything he could to stay with eventual stage winner Chris Froome (Team Sky).

He finished fifth on the stage and is now sixth overall, 40 seconds behind new leader Michal Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma-Quick Step).

“I’m 41 now, so if you don’t have it figured out by now then you should’ve probably retired a long time ago,” Horner said laconically as he pulled on some clothing for the descent to the Radioshack team bus…

Read the full story on cyclingnews.com

Photo: Radioshack Leopard Trek

Jens Voigt

Ride organizer Stuart Grace (GA Cycles) is the father of Amy, who has suffered with epilepsy, ADHD and learning difficulties for 15 years. Throughout their long-standing friendship with Jens, Stuart and Amy have received support and the German racer has regularly helped to raise money for the cause.

“I’m looking forward to riding in the New Forest and raising a good deal of money for Amy’s charity,” said Jens.

The date of the ride has been confirmed as 27 April.

There are a three ways to get involved…

Read more on road.cc

Photo: Edmund Boey

Chris Horner

“I’m 41, or 42 this year,” Horner said. “If you don’t have it figured out by now then you should’ve probably retired a long time ago.”

Horner rolled in as a light rain started to fall. It began to wash off the sweat and dirt, but his memories remained fresh.

He held onto Sky’s express train going up the 14.5km climb to the ski station at 1450m. Chris Froome employed Dario Cataldo, Sergio Henao and Rigoberto Urán — in that order — to set a tempo that made it impossible for attackers to break free.

Chris Horner survived Sky’s pace-making when Cadel Evans (BMC Racing), Joaquím Rodríguez (Katusha), teammate Andy Schleck and others were dropped. He withstood Contador’s attacks. He finished in company with Froome (second at the Tour last year), Vincenzo Nibali (third), Contador (multiple Grand Tour winner) and other stars.

“This race is the best quality field beside the Tour de France that I’ve ever seen put together, I mean ever,” Horner said

“Paris-Nice, whatever, there’s nobody there. Everybody’s here…”

Read the full story on velonews.competitor.com

Photo: Eat_Sport

He’s shone in the race in the past, winning five prologues, eight stages in all and holding the record of yellow jerseys [28] amongst the riders who never won the race, but Swiss publication Blick has claimed that Fabian Cancellara won’t line out in this year’s Tour de France.

If accurate, the surprising news denies his Radioshack Leopard Trek team of one of its star riders for the race.

However Cancellara has said that he believes his chances of shining in the race have been limited by the parcours.

“The start in Corsica…”

Read the full story on  velonation.com

Photo: radioshackleopardtrek.com

RadioShack Leopard Trek

RadioShack Leopard Trek has compiled a likely cobbled-classics squad to contest the upcoming Tour of Qatar. The six day race, running from 3-8 February will mark the first official outing for the eight-man team including Stijn Devolder – making a return of sorts to the team formerly managed by Johan Bruyneel.

Fabian Cancellara also opens his season in the Qatari desert and will use the tour to build his condition ahead of another spring classics campaign.

Cancellara finished seventh overall at the 2.HC race in…

Read the full story on cyclingnews.com

See the full Radioshack Leopard Trek Tour of Qatar line-up.

Photo: RadioShack-Leopard-Trek

Jens Voigt

The end of such an illustrious career would seem the perfect justification for a wild, commemorative paint job from the team’s bike sponsor, Trek, but at least for now – we’re certainly keeping our eyes open later in the year – Voigt is on his standard team-issue Madone 7-Series, albeit with a big decal on the top tube celebrating his time in the sport.

Among the impressive statistics are an estimated 805,000km ridden, 64 wins, 11 broken bones, and 25 screws – and that’s only as of the end of last season, before Voigt’s

Full story, pictures and bike specs on bikeradar.com

Photo: radioshackleopardtrek.com

Jens Voigt video interview from Tour Down Under 2013.

Video interview with Andy Schleck of Team Radioshack-Leopard-Trek who spoke to GCN about his race at the Tour Down Under.

Andy Schleck was at the Tour Down Under to get some race miles in his legs ahead of the 2013 European tours, and GCN spoke to him about how the TDU had gone for him and what he’s looking forward to in 2013.

The social network would not be specific to Radioshack Leopard Trek.

The social network would be free to use.




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Andy Schleck

The 27-year-old Luxembourger struggled in the Adelaide heat and abruptly returned to his hotel after a mechanical problem in Sunday’s final stage ended his Tour Down Under campaign prematurely.

Still fighting to recover from a broken pelvis suffered during the Criterium du Dauphine last June, Schleck, however, remains confident he will be in prime shape for the 100th edition of the Tour de France starting in Corsica on June 29.

“I have no doubt I have the engine to come back,” said Schleck, who was almost 40 minutes behind the leader when he abandoned on Sunday.

“It’s just a matter of working well and doing the right things. I need to be patient.”

The crash prior to last season’s Tour de France ruined his 2012 season and an overweight Schleck staged a brief, unimpressive comeback at the Tour of Beijing in October.

“My feelings are a lot better – if you have pictures from Beijing, I was basically a fat pig then,” he said.

“I was 4kg more than now.”

Source: timesofmalta.com

Photo: radioshackleopardtrek.com

As the standard road bike for the team, Trek’s 7.9 Madone will help them cover the miles with a unique blend of performance road and aero road, rather than a dedicated aero bike like many manufacturers are trending towards. The Madones will be equipped with Dura Ace 9070 Di2 drivetrains, and Bontrager Aeolus D3 wheels. The bike is…

Read the full article on bikerumor.com

Photo: radioshackleopardtrek.com

This is an excerpt from the latest post by Jens Voigt on his blog on bicycling.com

Here I am back in sunny Australia for the Tour Down Under. As you know this is one of my favorite races. And I am trying to stay out of crashes and get a good start on yet another season!

Obviously there have been a lot of changes at my RadioShack team this year, after what can only be described as a disastrous season last year. I don’t even need to go into detail because, well, all of our problems were out in the open and written about constantly in the press. But we are off to a good start this year and that is positive.

We actually started back in late November. We had a three-day team-building camp and we…

Read Jens Voigt’s full blog post on bicycling.com/blogs/hardlyserious/

Photo: twitter.com/thejensie/

Schleck was already nearly 40 minutes off the pace in the Tour Down Under when he suffered a mechanical problem during the final stage.

The 27-year-old Schleck said he was starting to feel better, even though he was a shell of his usual self at the Adelaide racing.

Asked if he can be back in top shape by the start of the Tour de France in July, he replied: “I truly believe that, it’s what keeps me out there working hard.”

“I have no doubt I have the engine to come back. It’s just a matter of working well and doing the…”

Read the full story on bigpondsport.com

Photo: Kym Della-Torre

Andy Schleck

Schleck had a mechanical problem mid-way through Stage 6 and when he was unable to rejoin the peloton, abandoned the race and went back to the team’s hotel. He was nowhere to be seen as his six teammates were later presented on stage after RadioShack-Leopard-Trek won the overall teams classification.

Voigt, the veteran of the peloton at 41, said he had been mentoring Schleck who had doubted his capabilities after struggling to keep up.

“He needed a little pep talk (this week), one time I also gave him a little kick talk,” Voigt said. “He is a very good rider and normally (when) he suffers it’s for a really good result and he just…”

Read the full story: news.com.au

Photo: Peregrine_x

Although Andre Greipel won his fourth stage win in this year’s Tour Down Under today, it was not enough to shake young Tom Slagter off the top of the GC podium.

Ben Hermans was set to win third place overall after yesterday’s stage 5, but he lost points in stage 6 and had to drop down to an overall 5th place. Tiago Machado had been very consistent during the race and finished on a ninth place in the GC.

Andy Schleck experienced problems with his chain early in the race and had to abandon.

Top 10, Stage 6
1. André GREIPEL (GER), LOTTO-BELISOL, 1:52:59
2. Mark RENSHAW (AUS), BLANCO, s.t.
3. Edvald BOASSON HAGEN (NOR), SKY, s.t.
4. Matthew Harley GOSS (AUS), ORICA-GREENEDGE, s.t.
5. Tyler FARRAR (USA), GARMIN-SHARP, s.t.
6. Geraint THOMAS (GBR), SKY, s.t.
7. Klaas LODEWYCK (BEL), BMC RACING, s.t.
8. Barry MARKUS (NED), VACANSOLEIL-DCM, s.t.
9. Yauheni HUTAROVICH (BLR), AG2R LA MONDIALE, s.t.
10. Kenny Robert VAN HUMMEL (NED), VACANSOLEIL-DCM, s.t.

Radioshack Leopard Trek, Stage 6
37. Ben HERMANS (BEL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:09
47. Tiago MACHADO (POR), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:09
56. Jesse SERGENT (NZL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:14
58. George BENNETT (NZL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:14
80. Jens VOIGT (GER), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:37
98. Laurent DIDIER (LUX), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:57
DNF: Andy SCHLECK (LUX), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD

Top 10 GC
1. Tom Jelte SLAGTER (NED), BLANCO, at 18:28:32
2. Javier MORENO BAZAN (ESP), MOVISTAR, at 0:17
3. Geraint THOMAS (GBR), SKY, at 0:25
4. Jon IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI (ESP), EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at 0:32
5. Ben HERMANS (BEL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:34
6. Wilco KELDERMAN (NED), BLANCO, at 0:34
7. Gorka IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI (ESP), EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at 0:36
8. Daniele PIETROPOLLI (ITA), LAMPRE-MERIDA, at 0:36
9. Tiago MACHADO (POR), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:38
10. Jussi VEIKKANEN (FIN), FDJ, at 0:41

Radioshack Leopard Trek, GC
5. Ben HERMANS (BEL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:34
9. Tiago MACHADO (POR), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:38
15. George BENNETT (NZL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 1:02
66. Jens VOIGT (GER), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 13:51
71. Jesse SERGENT (NZL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 14:36
82. Laurent DIDIER (LUX), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 18:47

By Jens S. Christensen

Photo: twitter.com/Tiagomachado85/

Fabian Cancellara

Where: Qatar
When: 03-08, February, 2013
Race website: www.letour.com/us/homepage_horscourseTQA.html

The Tour of Qatar is a road bicycle race race held in Qatar and is part of the UCI Asia Tour. The race consists of a men’s competition over six stages. Because Qatar is entirely flat, the race is almost always won by a sprint specialist.

Radioshack Leopard Trek Line-up
CANCELLARA Fabian
DEVOLDER Stijn
GALLOPIN Tony
IRIZAR Markel
POPOVYCH Yaroslav
RAST Gregory
ROULSTON Hayden
SANTOS OLIVEIRA Nelson
Sporting Manager : DEMOL Dirk

Andy Schleck

Schleck had a problem with his chain early in the 90km stage through the city and was unable to rejoin the peloton.

After the race his teammates were trying to contact him after they clinched the winning teams’ classification.

They were due to be presented on stage shortly after, but Schleck was nowhere to be seen.

The team’s press officer confirmed Schleck was back at the team hotel.

The 2010 Tour de France champion was in 127th place going into today’s final stage.

Source: heraldsun.com.au

Photo: drjimjam

Ben Hermans

Radioshack-Leopard-Trek achieved a solid set of results on stage five of the Santos Tour Down Under in Australia on Saturday, sending Ben Hermans into third overall, a podium spot he is likely to wrap up after Sunday’s criterium around Adelaide. Tiago Machado was ultra-aggressive on the final ascent of Old Willunga Hill, finishing fifth on the stage and locking down sixth place overall.

The squad used a team effort to set up their finish.

Laurent Didier spent part of the day on the front of the peloton over the flats. Approaching the bottom of Willunga Hill, the 3km drag that has often decided the overall general classification, it was Radioshack-Leopard driving the tempo, with Jens Voigt at…

Read the full story on velonation.com

Photo: cas_ks

Radioshack Leopard Trek

Fastest man in the 151.5 km long stage, which saw the peloton ride from McLaren Vale to Old Willunga Hill, was Orica Greenedge’s Simon Gerrans ahead of Tom Jelte Slagter (Blanco) and Javier Moreno Bazan (Movistar).

Although it does not seem like Radioshack Leopard Trek will win this year’s Tour Down Under, the team is still holding the first place in the Teams Classification.

Top 10, Stage 5
1. Simon GERRANS (AUS), ORICA-GREENEDGE, 3:36:25
2. Tom Jelte SLAGTER (NED), BLANCO, same time
3. Javier MORENO BAZAN (ESP), MOVISTAR, at 0:10
4. Jon IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI (ESP), EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at 0:12
5. Tiago MACHADO (POR), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:13
6. Wilco KELDERMAN (NED), BLANCO, at 0:16
7. Gorka IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI (ESP), EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at 0:16
8. Rafael VALLS FERRI (ESP), VACANSOLEIL-DCM, at 0:16
9. Daniele PIETROPOLLI (ITA), LAMPRE-MERIDA, at 0:16
10. Ben HERMANS (BEL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:16

Radioshack Leopard Trek, Stage 5
5. Tiago MACHADO (POR), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:13
10. Ben HERMANS (BEL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:16
19. George BENNETT (NZL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:32
68. Jesse SERGENT (NZL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 3:27
75. Jens VOIGT (GER), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 5:55
91. Laurent DIDIER (LUX), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 8:55
103. Andy SCHLECK (LUX), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 12:49

Top 10 GC, after stage 5
1. Tom Jelte SLAGTER (NED), BLANCO, at 16:35:33
2. Javier MORENO BAZAN (ESP), MOVISTAR, at 0:13
3. Ben HERMANS (BEL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:25
4. Jon IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI (ESP), EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at 0:28
5. Geraint THOMAS (GBR), SKY, at 0:29
6. Tiago MACHADO (POR), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:29
7. Gorka IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI (ESP), EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at 0:32
8. Daniele PIETROPOLLI (ITA), LAMPRE-MERIDA, at 0:32
9. Wilco KELDERMAN (NED), BLANCO, at 0:32
10. Jussi VEIKKANEN (FIN), FDJ, at 0:37

Radioshack Leopard Trek GC, after stage 5
3. Ben HERMANS (BEL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:25
6. Tiago MACHADO (POR), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:29
13. George BENNETT (NZL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0:48
67. Jens VOIGT (GER), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 13:14
72. Jesse SERGENT (NZL), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 14:22
82. Laurent DIDIER (LUX), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 17:50
127. Andy SCHLECK (LUX), RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 39:29

By Jens S. Christensen

Photo: cas_ks

It was time to ride and it wasn’t just about staying out of trouble in a nervous peloton nor was it a training exercise.

“Why should it always be Jens Voigt that is riding [on the front]?” Schleck had told his Radioshack Leopard Trek teammates during the pre-stage meeting. “I can ride as well. Riding in the front in the wind, suffering; that is what makes my shape better and stronger so that’s the main goal.”

“I won’t hesitate the next day to do the same. I like it. I ride in the front and of course it hurts. Sometimes when I am really hurting, I hope that the guys behind are hurting also. I like to do it and I’m really, really happy to…”

Read the full story on cyclingnews.com

Photo: steel_eagle

“It was another dangerous final today,” Jens Voigt told radioshackleopardtrek.com. “At 10km we had crosswinds and a fast tail wind so it was super fast. It’s been a long time since I felt terrified to be in a sprint, but today was very dangerous and fast.”

George Bennett

• “Physically one of the easier stages of this years tdu but holy shit I aged a few years 2day. Big fast crashes in the final”
• “All the boys were awesome at keeping me out of trouble – they know I can’t fend for myself in the wild yet. Team Radioshack Leopard Trek Babby sitters club”

Jesse Sergent

• “A bit colder today at TDU but I’m not complaining! Passed a bad day yesterday and the heat didn’t help!”

Top 10, Stage 4
1. André GREIPEL, LOTTO-BELISOL, in 3:02:52
2. Roberto FERRARI, LAMPRE-MERIDA, at 0
3. Jonathan CANTWELL, SAXO-TINKOFF, at 0
4. Andrew FENN, OMEGA PHARMA-QUICK-STEP, at 0
5. Barry MARKUS, VACANSOLEIL-DCM, at 0
6. Marcel KITTEL, ARGOS-SHIMANO, at 0
7. Mark RENSHAW, BLANCO, at 0
8. Kenny Robert VAN HUMMEL, VACANSOLEIL-DCM, at 0
9. Arnaud DEMARE, FDJ, at 0
10. Klaas LODEWYCK, BMC RACING, at 0

Radioshack Leopard Trek, Stage 4
24. Tiago MACHADO, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0
60. Laurent DIDIER, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0
61. Jens VOIGT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0
62. George BENNETT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0
63. Jesse SERGENT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0
64. Ben HERMANS, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0
108. Andy SCHLECK, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 2:03

Top 10 GC, after stage 4
1. Geraint THOMAS, SKY, in 12:59:09
2. Tom Jelte SLAGTER, BLANCO, at :5
3. Javier MORENO BAZAN, MOVISTAR, at :6
4. Ben HERMANS, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :8
5. Gorka IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI, EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at :15
6. Jon IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI, EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at :15
7. Jack BAUER, GARMIN-SHARP, at :15
8. Tiago MACHADO, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :15
9. Adam HANSEN, LOTTO-BELISOL, at :15
10. George BENNETT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :15

Radioshack Leopard Trek GC, after stage 4
4. Ben HERMANS, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :8
8. Tiago MACHADO, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :15
10. George BENNETT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :15
59. Jens VOIGT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 7:18
71. Laurent DIDIER, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 8:54
82. Jesse SERGENT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 10:54
126. Andy SCHLECK, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 26:39

Photo: cas_ks

Jens Voigt

For starters, he’s big. At 76kg he isn’t stick thin like a lot of the bunch and standing 189cm tall, he looks more like a basketballer than a bike rider.

He is also 41 but is renowned for attacking more than just about anyone in the entire peloton.

He says cycling helps slow down the ageing process and he will keep pedalling while he still loves it.

There is a photo of him on his phone with Radioshack Leopard Trek teammates Danilo Hondo, Andreas Kloden and Chris Horner, who together boast 160 years of life experience.

“We are the Rolling Stones of cycling,” Voigt says with his trademark smile, which has endeared him to thousands of fans around the world.

Read the full story on adelaidenow.com.au

Photo: Kym Della-Torre

While Sutton was content with another perfect Sky ride, Schleck, the 2010 Tour de France champion, was seemingly cooking in 38C while his RadioShack-Leopard-Trek team-mate Tiago Machado tried to force the peloton to crack 5km from Stirling.

Schleck refused interview requests after Machado’s brave attack, which was pulled back 3km from the end of the gruelling stage.

But Portuguese Machado – who finished third overall at the TDU last year – said the race was far from over after Blanco’s Tom Slagter caused an upset by claiming the 139km stage.

“A couple of guys got me to…”

Read the full story on adelaidenow.com.au

Photo: cas_ks

Radioshack Leopard Trek, Stage 3
15. George BENNETT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0
18. Ben HERMANS, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0
24. Tiago MACHADO, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 0
69. Jens VOIGT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 4:31
100. Jesse SERGENT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 7:34
106. Laurent DIDIER, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 7:34
124. Andy SCHLECK, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 16:47

Top 10 GC, after stage 3

1. Geraint THOMAS, SKY, in 9:56:17
2. Tom Jelte SLAGTER, BLANCO, at :5
3. Javier MORENO BAZAN, MOVISTAR, at :6
4. Ben HERMANS, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :8
5. Daniele PIETROPOLLI, LAMPRE-MERIDA, at :15
6. Jon IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI, EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at :15
7. Gorka IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI, EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at :15
8. George BENNETT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :15
9. Jack BAUER, GARMIN-SHARP, at :15
10. Wilco KELDERMAN, BLANCO, at :15

Radioshack Leopard Trek GC, after stage 3
4. Ben HERMANS, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :8
8. George BENNETT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :15
11. Tiago MACHADO, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :15
59. Jens VOIGT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 7:18
73. Laurent DIDIER, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 8:54
84. Jesse SERGENT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 10:54
124. Andy SCHLECK, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 24:36

After a calm day yesterday, Radioshack Leopard Trek were ready to show the flag, and George Bennett managed to get a gap on the lead riders up the steep ascent of Corkscrew Hill, but couldn’t keep Sky’s Geraint Thomas behind him as they reached the top. On the decent Movistar rider Javier Moreno, Bennett and Ben Hermans chased Thomas.

As the finish line approached the four man group managed to maintain a small gap to a group of 11 riders, Thomas was first man over the finish, followed closely by Moreno, leaving third place to Ben Hermans.

George Bennett secured himself a 10th place, on a day where Radioshack Leopard Trek showed promise.

Unfortunately Jens Voigt and Jesse Sergent were involved in a crash, and although they were cut and bleeding they should start healing over night, and are expected be to start tomorrow.

“I feel happy about the stage today,” Ben Hermans told radioshackleopardtrek.com. “I worked hard for it and am happy I could stay with the best”

“Pretty good day in Stage 2 for Radioshack Leopard Trek. Took some boni’s at the finish. Hope Jens Voigt and Jesse Sergent are ok after the crash!” Hermans wrote on Twitter shortly after stage 2.

As usual Jens Voigt was positive in spite of the crash. Here is his fun recap of stage 2, through his Twitter profile:

• “Looks like i am ticking all the boxes here in cycling. First race – first attacker! Check”
• “Feeling good and ready for the new season – check”
• “Today feeling bad and being dropped on that corkscrew climb – check”
• “Third race of the year and the first crash on the descend towards finish – check! “
• “Hating myself for being stupid enough to crash – check”
• “Still gonna go and race full gas tomorrow, ignoring my crashmarks – check”

Top 10, Stage 2
1. Geraint THOMAS, SKY, in 2:44:18
2. Javier MORENO BAZAN, MOVISTAR, at :1
3. Ben HERMANS, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :1
4. Tom Jelte SLAGTER, BLANCO, at :4
5. Tim WELLENS, LOTTO-BELISOL, at :4
6. Daniele PIETROPOLLI, LAMPRE-MERIDA, at :4
7. Jack BAUER, GARMIN-SHARP, at :4
8. Wilco KELDERMAN, BLANCO, at :4
9. Jon IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI, EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at :4
10. George BENNETT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :4

Radioshack Leopard Trek, Stage 2
3. Ben HERMANS, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :1
10. George BENNETT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :4
13. Tiago MACHADO, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :4
30. Laurent DIDIER, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 1:09
67. Jens VOIGT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 2:36
73. Jesse SERGENT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 3:09
98. Andy SCHLECK, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 6:19

Top 10 GC, after stage 2
1. Geraint THOMAS, SKY, in 6:19:32
2. Javier MORENO BAZAN, MOVISTAR, at :5
3. Ben HERMANS, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :7
4. Daniele PIETROPOLLI, LAMPRE-MERIDA, at :14
5. Tom Jelte SLAGTER, BLANCO, at :14
6. Jon IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI, EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at :14
7. Gorka IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI, EUSKALTEL EUSKADI, at :14
8. Tim WELLENS, LOTTO-BELISOL, at :14
9. Jack BAUER, GARMIN-SHARP, at :14
10. Tiago MACHADO, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :14

Radioshack Leopard Trek GC, after stage 2
3. Ben HERMANS, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :7
10. Tiago MACHADO, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :14
11. George BENNETT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at :14
32. Laurent DIDIER, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 1:19
57. Jens VOIGT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 2:46
65. Jesse SERGENT, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 3:19
103. Andy SCHLECK, RADIOSHACK-LEOPARD, at 7:48

By Jens S. Christensen

Photo: Laszlo B

It’s been ten years since Jens Voigt rode his first Tour Down Under. On Sunday night, at the People’s Choice Classic, the event’s warm-up criterium, the 41-year-old was determined to put on a show, his way of saying thanks in what is likely to be his final appearance racing at the Australian WorldTour event.

“We had a little easy ride this morning and I said: ‘You know what? I don’t have a chance of winning anyway so I might as well do something silly and show myself, entertain the crowd,’” Voigt told Cyclingnews after the race. “I did get a nice big cheer yesterday at the team presentation and just a way to say thank you to them. To say thanks for welcoming me and now I’m here to entertain you.”

Voigt, one of…

Read the full story on cyclingnews.com

Photo:

Schleck finished 1:19 behind winner Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) in the opening 135-kilometer stage from Prospect in Adelaide’s north to the town of Lobethal, leaving him 105th in the overall standings.

But Schleck wasn’t concerned about his finishing position, saying he was confident he would improve as the week progressed.

“I’m happy, it’s…”

Read the full story on velonews.competitor.com

Photo: Emilie Renson

Top 10, Stage 1
1. André GREIPEL, Lotto-Belisol
2. Arnaud DEMARE, FDJ-BigMat
3. Mark RENSHAW, Blanco
4. Simone PONZI, Astana
5. Steele VON HOFF, Garmin-Sharp
6. Roberto FERRARI, Lampre-Merida
7. Daniele PIETROPOLLI, Lampre-Merida
8. Edvald BOASSON HAGEN, Sky
9. Jose Joaquin ROJAS GIL, Movistar
10. Zakkari DEMPSTER, AUS,

Radioshack Leopard Trek, Stage 1
21. Ben HERMANS, RadioShack-Leopard
42. Tiago MACHADO, RadioShack-Leopard
49. George BENNETT, RadioShack-Leopard
59. Laurent DIDIER, RadioShack-Leopard
72. Jesse SERGENT, RadioShack-Leopard
86. Jens VOIGT, RadioShack-Leopard
105. Andy SCHLECK, RadioShack-Leopard

Top 10 GC after stage 1
1. André GREIPEL, Lotto-Belisol, in 3:35:14
2. Arnaud DEMARE, FDJ-BigMat, at :4
3. Mark RENSHAW, Blanco, at :6
4. Simon GERRANS, Orica-GreenEdge, at :7
5. Philippe GILBERT, BMC Racing, at :7
6. Jérôme PINEAU, Omega Pharma-Quick Step, at :8
7. Thomas DE GENDT, Vacansoleil-DCM, at :8
8. Simone PONZI, Astana, at :9
9. Jose Joaquin ROJAS GIL, Movistar, at :9
10. Steele VON HOFF, Garmin-Sharp, at :10

Radioshack Leopard Trek GC after stage 1
25. Ben HERMANS, RadioShack-Leopard
45. Tiago MACHADO, RadioShack-Leopard
50. George BENNETT, RadioShack-Leopard
60. Laurent DIDIER, RadioShack-Leopard
72. Jesse SERGENT, RadioShack-Leopard
86. Jens VOIGT, RadioShack-Leopard
105. Andy SCHLECK, RadioShack-Leopard

Radioshack Leopard Trek

The flag had barely dropped in the 51km criterium to open a week of racing in Australia when the 41-year-old surged off the front. By the end of lap one of the hourlong race, Voigt was gone.

“First race, first attack,” Voigt said with a laugh at the finish line. “It crossed my mind this morning. I may as well do something stupid and get it going.”

Voigt was clearly enjoying himself. Every time he rode past the team cars, where the sport directors and mechanics were watching the race, Voigt would stick out his tongue and smile like a hyena.

“I am just an old German diesel,” he said. “The self-belief began to rise. We were getting close to lapping them … ha-ha, no, we really had no chance to win. But it was fun.”

Read the full story on velonews.competitor.com

Photo: Dana Gardner

The race, a 51km criterium, was made up of 30 laps on a 1,7km circuit and early in the race Zak Dempster (UniSA) and Jens Voigt (RadioShack Leopard Trek) broke away from the peloton in an effort to keep the sprinters at bay. They managed to get a 1 minute lead and were not caught until the last third of the race.

“This morning already it crossed my mind that I might as well do something stupid”, explained Jens Voigt.
“I suggested it to the boys at the team meeting. Why not? Just go ahead. And so I was out there with a kid that was just half my age. I didn’t know him but we kept riding pretty well together. We didn’t need much communication, we were just sharing the work.” (source: radioshackleopardtrek.com)

Voigt said the criterium was invaluable to riders ahead of the first major Tour of the year. “We get to see who is hot and who is not,” Voigt said to heraldsun.com.au
“It is about checking everyone out, their form, their jerseys, their bikes and to see who is pedaling well, who is fit, who is carrying the extra kilo. It’s important.”

No one were able to keep up with the Lotto Belisol team, and first man over the finish was Andre Greipel, winning Tour Down Under’s “People’s Choice Classic”

Top 10
1     Andre Greipel (Ger) Lotto Belisol
2     Matthew Harley Goss (Aus) Orica GreenEdge
3     Gregory Henderson (NZl) Lotto Belisol
4     Boy Van Poppel (Ned) Vacansoleil-DCM
5     Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling
6     Davide Cimolai (Ita) Lampre-Merida
7     Steele Von Hoff (Aus) Garmin Sharp
8     Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Movistar
9     Anthony Giacoppo (Aus) UNI SA – Australia
10     Yauheni Hutarovich (Blr) AG2R La Mondiale

Radioshack Leopard Trek Results           
44     Tiago Machado (Por) Radioshack Leopard
68     Andy Schleck (Lux) Radioshack Leopard
70     Laurent Didier (Lux) Radioshack Leopard
79     Jesse Sergent (NZl) Radioshack Leopard
81     George Bennett (NZl) Radioshack Leopard
82     Ben Hermans (Bel) Radioshack Leopard
127     Jens Voigt (Ger) Radioshack Leopard

By Jens S. Christensen

Photo: radioshackleopardtrek.com

Andy Schleck (RadioShack-Leopard-Trek) is preparing to make his comeback after a disastrous 2012, biciciclismo reports. The 27-year-old Luxembourg rider had an indifferent spring campaign, but the wheels really came off his season when he crashed in the time trial of the Critérium du Dauphiné and fractured his sacrum. This injury saw him miss the Tour de France and Olympic games, and he only returned to racing at the Tour of Beijing, some four months after his crash.

In an interview with French newspaper Lemonde, however, Schleck reveals that another big issue last year was his relationship – or lack of it – with then team manager Johan Bruyneel.

“It was a surprise for us riders,” said Schleck. “We had a different approach to prepare for the Tour, but we always try to work together. Today, I work with Kim Andersen and Luca Guercilena.

“Last year, I had the feeling of being alone, abandoned by Johan…”

Read the full story on velonation.com

Photo: Emilie Renson

The 27-year-old is best known to Australian fans for his duel with eventual champion Cadel Evans during the 2011 Tour de France.

Andy Schleck views the Adelaide race as the real start of his comeback and is not expecting big results.

He plans to race as much as possible to regain his form ahead of this year’s French classic.

The week of racing starts on Sunday with a one-off street circuit event just outside the Adelaide CBD.

“Today in professional cycling, if you (make) small mistakes, it doesn’t forgive easily,” he said.

“You need to work to get back…”

Read the full story on ninemsn.com.au

Photo: radioshackleopardtrek.com

Andy Schleck

As the team presented its squad in Spain, Schleck was in Australia for the Santos Tour Down Under starting Tuesday, hungry for action after a broken pelvis kept him out of last year’s Tour de France.

Cancellara meanwhile was preparing to attack his beloved early season classics after a painful fall in the road race at the 2012 Olympics in London stopped him challenging for both that and time trial gold.

Schleck, second on the podium in the 2011 Tour and who was awarded the 2010 title after Spain’s Alberto Contador was banned for a doping violation, said he could not bear to watch it last year after breaking his pelvis in the Criterium du Dauphine.

“This year will be better than 2012 because…”

Read the full story on sbs.com.au

List of 2013 riders

Photo: Photo: Kenji Nanba/RadioshackLeopardTrek.com

Here is an excerpt from the press release:

ANONIMO

RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK gladly welcomes the watch brand ANONIMO as a new sponsor. The origin of ANONIMO goes back in 1936. These outstanding watches are produced with the famous ‘Swiss Made’ Label.

ANONIMO shares a lot of values with road cycling: design, reliability, precision, longevity. In May ANONIMO will show the first results of this new collaboration by presenting a limited edition of 250 pieces with a titan case and a rubber strap, perfectly in line with the new ANONIMO design.

SKODA

The team has also reached a sponsorship agreement with Pragautos Losch S.A., the Škoda Importer for Luxembourg, which a partner of the LEOPARD TREK continental team in 2012. Pragautos Losch will provide the team with Škoda Superb and Škoda Octavia cars. “Škoda has a long association with cycling, dating back to the start of the company in 1895 when the founders Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement began manufacturing bicycles. To further root our committment to cycling, supporting cycling events and teams is the centrepiece of our sponorship strategy,” says Marketing Communications Manager Thierry Limpach. “Today we are very excited about our association with RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK. It’s a fantastic opportunity to team up with some of the best professional riders. We’re really passionate about the upcoming season and looking forward to share some intense moments together with cycling fans from Luxembourg and all over the world.”

GAERNE

Finally, we can announce that our riders will be riding GAERNE cycling shoes. GAERNE made its debut in the world of cycling halfway through the 1980s, right from the start linking its name with the most promising cyclists and real champions. Based at Coste di Maser in the Province of Treviso, the company was set up in 1962 by a master in sports footwear production, Gazzola Ernesto, who gave the company its name. GAERNE cycling shoes were an immediate success. A distinctive style “signature” together with innovatory technical characteristics such as the micrometric closure, wearability and comfort enabled the company to conquer both the Italian and international markets. Today, Gaerne is one of the leader manufacturers of cycling shoes and motorcycle boots sold throughout the world.

“In all our shoes, GAERNE’s watchword is no-compromise quality. Only the best materials are used and every detail is designed and tested to ensure that all footwear meets the essential requisites of a GAERNE shoe – wearability, comfort, strength and protection”, says Ernesto Gazzola, President of GAERNE. “We decided to sponsor RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK because we really believe in this team and especially in their new philosophy. To be sponsor of is this team is for us a great honor and we are delighted to play our part in this important project.”

The team will also announce a new partner in the spring.

Source: Press Release – RadioshackLeopardTrek.com

This morning Radioshack Leopard Trek presented their team and the new jersey for the 2013 season. The colors are unvaried, and only the design has changed slightly.

The red area with “Radioshack” is bigger, and the upper part is white and red, instead of black. The black color is placed on the shoulders and on the sleeves.

What do you think about the new jersey?

I didn’t just win the race though, I won a huge mental battle against the demons inside of me, that I feel have always held me back my entire career. That’s what I’m proudest about, the fact that I beat them this time.

In the lead up to the race I was absolutely flying. My body was ready, the training over the last 3 weeks had been perfect and on the Saturday I had the best legs of my life. I did nelson tour heavily fatigued, and I trained right through the race hard too. directly after nelson though I had a look at all my SRM data and discovered the last time I was ‘race fresh’ was back in the middle of November.. so I really had to take it easy and recover from all the miles. Sure enough the body bounced back, and then I really focused on delivering the power I would need to win nationals 3 weeks later. The day before the race I felt the best I’ve ever felt on a bike, and my confidence went right up there too. I was ready!

Read Hayden Roulston’s full blog post

Photo: haydenroulston.co.nz

NBC Sports Network will air daily 30-minute stage recaps of the race starting Sun., Jan. 20 through Sun., Jan. 27, and will air a special one-hour show on February 10 at 12 p.m. ET, with a recap of the entire week of racing.

NBC Sports Group’s cycling announce team of Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen will call all the Tour action.

NBC Sports Network’s On-air Schedule for the 2013 Tour Down Under (all times ET, subject to change):

1. Jan. 20 Classic Adelaide 3:30 p.m.
2. Jan. 22 Stage 1 Prospect-Lobethal 3:30 p.m.
3. Jan. 23 Stage 2 Mount Barker-Rostrevor 3:30 p.m.
4. Jan. 24 Stage 3 Unley-Stirling 3:30 p.m.
5. Jan. 25 Stage 4 Modbury-Tanunda 3:30 p.m.
6. Jan. 26 Stage 5 McLaren Vale-Old Willunga Hill 1:30 p.m.
7. Jan. 27 Stage 6 Adelaide 12:30 p.m.

Source: tv.broadwayworld.com

Photo: tourdownunder.com.au

PEZ: Do you have high ambitions for the hilly Classics or is it all for the Tour de France?

Andy Schleck: Now, it’s the Ardennes Classics are my first goal, the Tour is a long way to go and this year I don’t go into the Tour as a favourite, I will go to try to do my best, but maybe it’s not for this year, maybe the next year, of course I put everything in there and I’m good at the Tour, but the Ardennes Classics; it was only last year when I wasn’t good, previous years I was always in the front, one year I won, so it’s the first goal of the season.

PEZ: Would you say there is a better atmosphere in the team compared to this time last year, because last year it was like two teams, now it has been a one team for a year?

Andy: That year at the meeting when the two teams came together, between the riders there was never an issue. I went to a training camp in the Sierra Nevada with Haimar, Popo and Tony, between the riders there was never an issue and at races there was never anyone who didn’t want to…

Read the full interview at pezcyclingnews.com

Photo: CorVos/PezCyclingNews

In part 1 of our extensive chat Andy Schleck talks about the 2012 season, its ups and mostly downs and the future. Andy sat down and took one look at the voice recorders laid out in front of him and commented “I remember before, they used to write!” always good to start with a joke.

PEZ: Are you looking forward to riding the Tour Down Under?

Andy Schleck: Yes, I am. It’s been quite a long winter for me, because I started training really early, but that was necessary because I missed a lot of the last season. I’m really looking forward to going to Australia, we are leaving on the 7th and we have a type of training camp when we are there before the race. Normally I would start earlier [in the season-Ed] in the Ruta del Sol in mid February or something, but now it’s Down Under and then Haut Var, one week after. Basically I ride every race that there is. It’s Down Under, Tour Med, Haut Var, then in Italy for some races; GP Nobili and then Tirreno and then Critérium and Pays Basque. Last year was a different programme that didn’t work too…

Read the full interview at pezcyclingnews.com

Photo: CorVos/PezCyclingNews

Roulston overcame a 48 second deficit on the final of the 12 laps of the elite men’s race before the Radioshack Leopard Trek pair rode together to the finish.

Roulston claimed the win to add to his titles won in 2006 and 2011.

Outstanding Auckland prospect James Oram, who had ridden bravely with Roulston in the latter stages, held on to be third overall and claim the under-23 honours.

It did not prove the fairy tale finish for the country’s most illustrious cyclist Julian Dean, who sprinted home the chase bunch to take the final place on the podium in his last race as a professional.

Source: Radio New Zealand

Photo: RadioshackLeopardTrek.com

Radioshack Leopard Trek

Where: Adelaide, Australia
When 20-27, january, 2013

Many people have been looking forward to seeing Andy Schleck back in the races, and this is the first time he is on the road right from the beginning of the season. One reason may be that he only had 26 race days last year, and he may need to get some miles into the legs as soon as possible.

German powerhouse Jens Voigt is also ready for some early action in Tour Down Under. Voigt is popular where ever he goes, and he seems to have a special following Down Under, and it will be exciting to see what shape he is in.

Riders (according to tourdownunder.au.com):
41. SCHLECK Andy (LUX)
42. BENNETT George (NZL)
43. DIDIER Laurent (LUX)
44. HERMANS Ben (BEL)
45. MACHADO Tiago (POR)
46. SERGENT Jesse (NZL)
47. VOIGT Jens (GER)

Team Manager: AZEVEDO Jose (POR)

By Jens S. Christensen

Image: tourdownunder.com.au

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Fabian Cancellara

In the last two seasons Cancellara has seen in time trial crown slip with Tony Martin winning the last two world time trial championships – albeit Cancellara missed the 2012 event through injury.

Fabian Cancellara endured a mixed year of racing in 2012. He displayed fine form in the first few months of the season and looked on course to compete for wins in the Belgian Classics.

However a crash in the Tour of Flanders left him on the sidelines with a broken…

Read the full story on cyclingnews.com

Photo: Dana Gardner