Schleck out of Tour de France

LUXEMBOURG – Yellow jersey contender Andy Schleck has pulled out of this year’s Tour de France due to injuries suffered in last week’s Criterium du Dauphine race, according to his family.

Schleck was among the favorites for the 98th edition, which will begin in Liege, Belgium on June 30 and end in Paris on July 22, but will take no part after being diagnosed with a pelvis fracture in recent days.

The RadioShack climbing specialist, who has finished runner-up three times on the world’s premier cycling event, had recently been crowned the 2010 champion following the disqualification of Spain’s Alberto Contador for doping offenses. Schleck’s joy at finally securing the yellow jersey was, however, tempered by the injuries he suffered in a crash last Thursday at the Criterium, an eight-day race which is a major tune-up for the Tour.

During a 53km time trial a strong gust of wind literally picked Schleck and his bike up off the ground and dumped him at the side of the road. — AP