Schleck injured, out of Pais Vasco

Just as Team CSC's Fränk Schleck was in a position to bring home a top result in the Vuelta a Pais Vasco, the Luxembourgian was unlucky enough to crash. Schleck had to abandon the race during the 170-kilometer third stage between Segura and Lerin.

"Fränk crashed on the descent from the first climb, when another rider swayed towards him," said an upset sports director Kim Andersen. "He smashed his helmet, but seemed okay at first. He got back on his bike but was completely dizzy, so we chose to take him out of the race and straight to the hospital. Here he was diagnosed with severe concussion and he has to remain in the hospital overnight for observation.

"It's such bad luck for Fränk, that he crashes at a time where he could have made a top result. He was flying on the climbs and I think he could've done really well. But at least we should be pleased that the helmet saved him from a very serious accident, and that he got off with a concussion. In relation to the rest of the race we'll have to keep our chins up and concentrate on the individual stages," Andersen added.