In 2011, Luxembourger Frank Schleck (Trek Factory Racing) was third on the podium of the Tour de France. Only his brother Andy and the Australian Cadel Evans (BMC) ranked ahead of him. The following year he was withdrawn from the race because of traces of a diuretic in his urine during a doping test. The resulting quarrels about his ban and the continuation of his contract with RadioShack-Leopard should now be followed by a grandiose comeback in the 2014 season.
"I think we can win these races."
In an interview with the English-language online portal cyclingnews.com the 33-year-old announced his goals. In addition to the Ardennes classics, his focus is primarily on the Tour de France "I think we can win [these races]", Schleck was positive and referred to the results of the past: “Having in the Ardennes [Andy and I] almost always finishes in the top ten and we will start together again on the tour with the aim of delivering an exceptional performance there.”
He also made it clear that Schleck is not afraid of the competition for Chris Froome (Sky) and Vincenzo Nibali (Astana). "If you've been in the top ten four times - and Andy has been second three times - then the goal must be to [win the Tour de France]," Schleck continued.
Schleck was also pleased to be able to race alongside his brother Andy again. He had not reached the form of previous years this season.