Stage two of Paris-Nice was a frustrating one for the Leopard-Trek team, which saw two of its GC hopes hit the deck on a day littered by crashes.
The 2010 Tour de Suisse victor Frank Schleck is seen as one who could land a strong performance in the World Tour event. The day was less than ideal, though, with the Luxembourg road race champion being involved in three incidents.
“First, some rider rode into Fränk's bike,” said directeur sportif Kim Andersen. “He had to do a bike change and then ride back to the bunch from all the way back.” He was then involved in two more crashes.
Schleck finished in the main bunch and so aside from some bruising, he’s on level terms with the other general classification riders. “Frank is hurt, but he will be okay,” said Andersen.
He started today’s 202 kilometre stage to Nuits-Saint-Georges 14 seconds behind the overall leader Thomas De Gendt (Vacansoleil).
It is a different story for Fuglsang, who also came a cropper at the same time as one of Schleck’s falls. “He was hurt pretty badly and lost a little bit in the end because of this,” said Andersen. “It was not the best day for us.”
Fuglsang finished in a group one minute and one second back. He’s now back in 145th overall, one minute and 15 seconds away from yellow.
He’s a stronger time trialist that Schleck and so would have been expected to have been in a better position after Friday’s 27 kilometre individual time trial. He could still be a force in the race, but most likely have to set his personal targets towards a stage victory.
Andersen did see a bright side to things. “There must be a miracle if he is going to win, but conversely it could be an advantage,” he told Sporten. “He can get into a break now that they are not counting on him.”
Today’s stage features a second category climb near the finish in Nuits Saint Georges, which could prove decisive. The Leopard Trek team will be hoping for a better showing, particularly in terms of avoiding crashes.