Schleck out to avenge 2010 Tour

Associated Press

LES HERBIERS, France

Two-time runner-up Andy Schleck has extra incentive to stop Alberto Contador from winning his third straight Tour de France, having lost last year’s race to the Spaniard.

Contador dropped Schleck on a steep climb in the Pyrenees last summer after the Luxembourg rider’s chain came off as he was preparing to attack. Contador ignored perceived cycling etiquette by failing to wait for his rival.

Contador gained a 39-second advantage over Schleck, his exact margin of overall victory a few days later.

Schleck said he forgave Contador for the move, but added he will never “forget it.”

Before the Tour’s start today, Schleck toned down his stance, saying it’s time to turn the page.

“What happened last year is now over,” said Schleck, when asked if he was still holding a grudge. “I’m focusing on this year’s Tour and hopefully things will go in the right direction.”

While many fans and riders have questioned Contador’s presence in this year’s race following his positive test for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol during the 2010 Tour, Schleck is glad to have another chance to beat Contador.

“I’m looking forward to beating him on the road, I want this challenge, I want this head-to-head,” said the 26-year-old Schleck.

After last year’s chain debacle, French fans clearly turned their back on Contador to support Schleck. Contador, who could be stripped of all of his titles dating to July 2010 if the Court of Arbitration for Sport rules against him in August, was booed and jeered at the team presentation on Thursday.

Also on Thursday, police seized the Quick Step team’s bus for checks before letting it leave.

The bus was seized at the team hotel in the afternoon and was taken to a police station in La Roche-sur-Yon, about 30 miles away, before being allowed to leave in the evening.

A police unit specialized in the fight against doping took part in the operation.

The Quick Step team includes French champion Sylvain Chavanel and sprinting ace Tom Boonen of Belgium.

The Tour starts in the Vendee western region of France.