They were never truly gone. But after retiring from professional cycling in 2014 and 2016 respectively, brothers Andy and Fränk Schleck are officially back in the UCI WorldTour this season.
The Luxembourg siblings were among the most successful riders of their generation, with Andy winning the 2010 Tour de France and Fränk claiming major victories in both Grand Tours and Classics during a career that put Luxembourg back on the cycling map. Together, they became household names in the sport throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Even after ending their careers, the Schleck brothers remained deeply involved in the sport. They opened their own bike shop, took on roles such as sports coordinator within the Luxembourg Cycling Federation (FSCL), organised events including a Gran Fondo and the Tour de Luxembourg, supported a women’s team, and stayed active around the Tour de France.
This season, however, they return to the top tier of professional cycling in new capacities: Andy Schleck as deputy general manager and Fränk Schleck as sports director of the Lidl-Trek women’s team.
Alongside Fabian Cancellara, the Schlecks were once at the heart of the Luxembourg-founded team presented as Leopard Trek at the Coque in January 2011. Since then, the sport has evolved considerably, in terms of technology and especially in women’s cycling. Yet one fundamental truth remains unchanged: the rider who pushes hardest on the pedals still wins.
