End of season for Andy Schleck

Andy Schleck, second-placed and best young rider at the Tour de France this year, has decided to end his season, effective immediately. The Luxembourger, who participated in the Worlds road race last Sunday, abandoned the event early. He also quit the Vuelta a España after only one week of racing.

"It's been a fantastic season and I am extremely proud of the results that I and the team have achieved," said Schleck. "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.

"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 again."

Schleck, as well as his older brother Fränk, will thus not appear at the Giro di Lombardia next month, where Andy placed fourth two years ago. Fränk Schleck, who became third in the Classic of the falling leaves in 2005, has already finished his season due to knee surgery.

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