Another slip up.
Andy Schleck rode the first 120 kilometers of the Clasica San Sebastian before pulling out with a slipped chain. “It was the same chain that fell off in the Tour de France,” said Schleck. “Everybody else kept riding so I just said screw it, I’m done.”
Saxo Bank mechanics were at a loss to explain the slip up or why the substandard chain that perhaps cost Schleck the overall victory Tour de France was still on the bike. “I thought we threw that one out. I really did. It’s weird and I don’t know where all that rust came from,” said technical director Lars Rivet.
A second slipped chain in a month was a double disappointment for Schleck. “Nobody waited for me, they left me behind — especially Carlos Sastre. I thought things would be different is Spain, more tapas, more sangria, more sportsmanship but no,” said Schleck.
Team manager Bjarne Riis was philosophical about the mishap. “Andy and Frank are out the door anyway. They’re only half riding for Saxo now so riding half the race is about what I expected. I can’t wait for Alberto Contador to get here,” said Riis.
Second!