Schleck out of Tour de France

LONDON - The Associated Press

Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck rides on June 04 in the first stage of the 64rd edition of the Dauphine Criterium. AFP photo

The 2010 Tour de France champion Andy Schleck pulled out of this year’s race due to an injury he sustained during the Criterium du Dauphine earlier this month, the rider’s parents said yesterday.

Schleck’s father told The Associated Press his son will not be able to ride for at least five weeks and is likely to miss the London Olympics as well. “This is a very bad year, the Tour was his primary objective,” said Johny Schleck, the cyclist’s father, who is also a former professional rider. He said Andy Schleck will have to rest for three weeks and will have to stay away from a bike for at least two more weeks after that.

“If he can ride again after that, he won’t have enough time to get ready for the Olympics,” his father said in a phone interview.

The men’s Olympic race will take place on July 28, less than a week after the Tour ends on the Champs Elysees. Schleck initially finished second in the 2010 Tour. He was awarded the title earlier this year after Alberto Contador was disqualified for doping.