Saxo Bank's Frank Schleck after the race. (Image credit: Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl)
Fränk Schleck of Team Saxo Bank underwent successful surgery on his left knee earlier this week. He is on crutches and must keep the knee still for at least two more weeks.
The surgery was performed Wednesday by Belgian surgeon Toon Claes. “The operation was a success,” the surgeon told Sporza. “Fränk now has to use crutches for a few days, since his knee is still slightly swollen.”
The knee problems stem from Schleck's crash in the Amstel Gold Race this spring, and have hindered him ever since. Despite the problem, he went on to win the Grand-Bornand stage in the Tour de France. However, during the Vuelta a España, the pain increased, and he abandoned the race after the eighth stage.
The elder Schleck brother had been scheduled to lead Luxembourg in the Worlds road race in Mendrisio on Sunday, and also to ride the Giro di Lombardia on October 17. However, due to the surgery, his 2009 season is now over.
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