Team Saxo Bank’s Fränk Schleck demonstrated great courage and cool determination launching a series of attacks on the way to the top of the Cotobello climb on today’s 181 kilometer long 16th stage of Vuelta a Espana.

Several times, the Luxembourgian road race champion put his rivals under pressure by insistently ripping the group of favorites apart on the two last climbs of the stage. He never caught Mikel Nieve (Euskaltel) who previously escaped from today’s breakaway but he managed to distance his worst rivals and showed that he is not only in the race but is he serious contender for the overall podium after finishing second on this entertaining stage.

Team Saxo Bank’s Fränk Schleck is now fourth in the overall classification where Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) is back in the lead after Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) lost ground because of the pressure from Fränk Schleck.

“As everyone knows, yesterday wasn’t my best day due to the cold and rain so I really wanted to redeem myself and I succeeded in showing everyone that I’m in great shape and I’m here to win. I’d rather try to attack and lose than don’t try at all and never win. I had great support from the team and Anders (Lund) was a great help encouraging me to go. Now, everything is possible,” said Team Saxo Bank’s Fränk Schleck after his tremendous effort.

And teammate, Anders Lund was in awe of his team captain:

”It was an extremely tough day. The breakaway didn’t go until after 65 kilometers and there was no control before it happened. Fränk did an amazing job out there. The demanding course suited him perfectly and he used the first climb to tire his opponents so he could drop everyone on the final climb. It gives the whole Team great moral to see our captain ride this well and we’re now looking forward to the final challenges,” said Anders Lund after the stage.

Photo: CorVos