An interview with Fränk Schleck

In the footsteps of Charly Gaul

26 year-old CSC rider Fränk Schleck took his biggest victory today by winning the Tour's 15th stage to L'Alpe d'Huez - the first rider from Luxembourg to do so. After being in the breakaway for most of the day, Schleck was able to drop Damiano Cunego with 2 km to go to solo to victory. Brecht Decaluwé reports from the top of the mountain.

Q: Even your famous compatriot Charly Gaul never won the stage on Alpe d'Huez. How do you feel now that you've stepped out of his shadow?

FS: (quietly) It's an great honour to be compared with Charly Gaul, as he was a very good rider. Sadly enough, he passed away a few years ago.

Q: You have won a stage with a mythical finish on top of Alpe d'Huez. Many famous riders have won over here. Is this win teaching you something about yourself?

FS: I will be more confident now. Many people said that I could do well, that I had to be confident. This morning I was feeling good and I was in a breakaway group. At the end of the day, I end up winning this fantastic stage. It will take a while before I realise that I've won over here.

Click here for the full interview