Leopard Trek proud in Paris

Schlecks on the podium ©Graham Watson

Jul 25th, 11. "If I had to summarise this whole experience with one word, it would be 'proud.' We're proud and happy," Fränk Schleck, Leopard Trek.

Three weeks after the race began in Vendée, Andy Schleck clinched second place as Fränk Schleck finished one step behind in third.

It is the first time that two brothers have secured podium finishes at the Tour de France.

"If you look at the size and importance of the Tour, it's a real honour to be second especially when your brother is one step down," Andy said.

"We would have hoped to have one Schleck on top of the podium, but we're proud of each other and proud of ourselves."

"Andy and I have been talking about this for years now," added Fränk. "We've never been this close. We made the plan before we came to France that we would leave France three weeks later without any regret. We have accomplished that."

Leopard Trek extended sincere congratulations to 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans and his BMC Racing team. Evans emerged as race leader in Grenoble after racing the the best time trial of his career.

"We knew from the start that there was more than just Alberto Contador as a rival," said Fränk. "We knew Evans would prove to be a true competitor and a tough guy to beat."

"Cadel did the time trial of his life yesterday, and he deserves to win the Tour," added Andy. "We know we did everything we could do in the mountains and today. Both Fränk and I probably did the best time trials we have ever done, but it wasn't good enough. Cadel was the stronger rider."

Leopard Trek made no secret of its ambitions to win the Tour de France and felt every rider on the team showed incredible dedication and true commitment to the task at hand. Andy and Fränk repaid this show of faith by racing with grit and determination, they feel.

Leopard Trek strived for the top step and fell short but remain deeply proud of what its riders accomplished.

"The second and third place is even more worthy of celebration because we did it from a complete new team," said Fränk. "We're proud of what we realised with this team and this staff. If I had to summarise this whole experience with one word, it would be 'proud.' We're proud and happy."

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