2011 Leopard Trek season

none 2011 Leopard Trek season Manager Brian NygaardNygaard left the team on September 7 following the announcement of the merger with RSH 2010 One-day victories 4 Stage race overall victories 2 Stage race stage victories 16 Next season The 2011 season for LEO 2011 ˈ l eɪ oʊ p ɑr d _ t r ɛ k, its first, began in January at the Tour Down Under and ended in October at the Giro di Lombardia. As a UCI ProTeam, they were automatically invited and obligated to send a squad to every race in the UCI World Tour. The team formed for 2011 as a Luxembourgish national project and boasts that nation's two premier riders, Andy and Fränk Schleck. Several riders from the Schleck brothers' former SBS 2010 joined the new team. The team was built for strong showings in the classic cycle races, and includes the best classics rider from the 2010 season, world time trial champion Fabian Cancellara. Though Cancellara did not win any race that awarded points to the UCI World Tour, he consistently placed highly enough that he was briefly the world number one rider in the midst of the classics season. Thanks to Cancellara's performances and the Schleck brothers both finishing on the podium at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the team was also in the top spot for a time. Team member Wouter Weylandt died after crashing during stage 3 of the Giro d'Italia, leading to the team's mass withdrawal the next day. Though he won a stage with a long solo breakaway in the mountains, and wore the race leader's yellow jersey for a day, Andy Schleck was runner-up at the Tour de France for the third consecutive year.Andy Schleck was later elevated to the position of winner in the 2010 Tour de France, though at the time of the 2011 race this had not yet happened Brother Fränk joined him on the podium in third place. The team won its final race under the Leopard name, with Oliver Zaugg finishing first at the Giro di Lombardia. For 2012, the team was set to merge with the American RSH 2011, under the new name LEO 2012. Though most of that team's management and sponsors were to come on board, the resultant squad continued to be based in Luxembourg under the same license, meaning it is a continuation of this franchise and not the American one. 2011 roster Ages as of January 1, 2011. Daniele Bennati ITA 2011 1 1 1980 9 24 Fabian Cancellara SUI 2011 1 1 1981 3 18 Will Clarke AUS 2011 1 1 1985 4 11 Stefan Denifl AUT 2011 1 1 1987 9 22 Brice Feillu FRA 2011 1 1 1985 7 26 Jakob Fuglsang DEN 2011 1 1 1985 3 22 Linus Gerdemann GER 2011 1 1 1982 9 16 Dominic Klemme GER 2011 1 1 1986 10 31 Anders Lund DEN 2011 1 1 1985 2 14 Maxime Monfort BEL 2011 1 1 1983 1 14 Martin Mortensen DEN 2011 1 1 1984 11 5 Giacomo Nizzolo ITA 2011 1 1 1989 1 30 Stuart O'Grady AUS 2011 1 1 1973 8 6 Martin Pedersen DEN 2011 1 1 1983 4 15 Joost Posthuma NED 2011 1 1 1981 3 8 Thomas RohreggerRohregger joined the team on February 23 AUT 2011 1 1 1982 12 23 Andy Schleck LUX 2011 1 1 1985 6 10 Fränk Schleck LUX 2011 1 1 1980 4 15 Rüdiger SeligSelig joined the team on August 1 as a stagiaire.http://www.leopardtrek.lu/news/team-takes-r-diger-selig-stagiaire leopardtrek.lu LEO 2011 1 August 2011 10 December 2011 Team takes on Rüdiger Selig as a stagiaire "N" GER 2011 1 1 1989 2 19 Tom Stamsnijder NED 2011 1 1 1985 5 15 Bruno Pires POR 2011 1 1 1981 5 15 Davide Viganò ITA 2011 1 1 1984 6 12 Jens Voigt GER 2011 1 1 1971 9 17 Robert Wagner GER 2011 1 1 1983 4 17 Fabian Wegmann GER 2011 1 1 1980 6 20 Wouter WeylandtWeylandt died on May 9 as a result of a crash during the Giro d'Italia BEL 2011 1 1 1984 9 27 Oliver Zaugg SUI 2011 1 1 1981 5 9 Riders' 2010 teams Rider2010 teamDaniele Bennatihttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/bennati-to-luxembourg-team-for-two-years Bennati to Luxembourg team for two years Cycling News 23 September 2010 10 December 2011 28 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120928022655/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/bennati-to-luxembourg-team-for-two-years liveLIQ 2010Fabian Cancellarahttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-set-to-join-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project Cancellara set to join Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project 27 October 2010 10 December 2011 Stephen Farrand Cycling News 13 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110913164008/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-set-to-join-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project liveSBS 2010Will Clarkehttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/denifl-clarke-and-feillu-join-the-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project Denifl, Clarke and Feillu join the Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project Stephen Farrand 3 November 2010 10 December 2011 Cycling News 14 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120114135526/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/denifl-clarke-and-feillu-join-the-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project livestagiaire (ALM 2010)Stefan DeniflCTT 2010Brice FeilluVCD 2010Jakob Fuglsanghttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gerdemann-wegmann-and-fuglsang-join-luxembourg-team Gerdemann, Wegmann and Fuglsang join Luxembourg team 29 October 2010 10 December 2011 Cycling News 8 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110908055530/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gerdemann-wegmann-and-fuglsang-join-luxembourg-team liveSBS 2010Linus GerdemannMRM 2010Dominic Klemmehttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-confirmed-with-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project Cancellara confirmed with Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project 30 November 2010 10 December 2011 Cycling News 8 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110908002744/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-confirmed-with-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project liveSBS 2010Anders Lundhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-pro-cycling-project-announce-three-more-riders Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project announce three more riders 5 November 2010 10 December 2011 Stephen Farrand Cycling News 4 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120304153906/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-pro-cycling-project-announce-three-more-riders liveSBS 2010Maxime Monforthttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-pro-cycling-team-names-classics-riders Stephen Farrand Luxembourg Pro Cycling Team names classics riders 25 October 2010 10 December 2011 Cycling News 11 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110911181843/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-pro-cycling-team-names-classics-riders liveTHR 2010Martin MortensenVCD 2010Giacomo Nizzolohttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-pro-cycling-snaps-up-bennati-and-vigano Luxembourg Pro Cycling snaps up Bennati and Viganò 20 October 2010 10 December 2011 Cycling News 16 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110916231934/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-pro-cycling-snaps-up-bennati-and-vigano liveneo-proStuart O'Gradyhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ogrady-to-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project O'Grady to Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project 1 November 2010 10 December 2011 Cycling News 9 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110909003337/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ogrady-to-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project liveSBS 2010 Rider2010 teamMartin Pedersenhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wagner-and-pedersen-to-luxembourg Wagner and Pedersen to Luxembourg 26 November 2010 10 December 2011 Cycling News 14 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120114064318/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wagner-and-pedersen-to-luxembourg liveGEO 2010Joost Posthumahttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6157/Joost-Posthuma-eager-for-a-new-start-with-Team-Schleck.aspx Joost Posthuma eager for a new start with Team Schleck 26 October 2010 10 December 2011 Jered Gruber VeloNation 28 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101028121303/http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6157/Joost-Posthuma-eager-for-a-new-start-with-Team-Schleck.aspx liveRAB 2010Thomas Rohreggerhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rohregger-signs-with-leopard-trek Rohregger signs with Leopard Trek 23 February 2011 10 December 2011 Cycling News 15 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111115155231/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rohregger-signs-with-leopard-trek liveMRM 2010Andy Schleckhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/frank-and-andy-schleck-to-leave-saxo-bank Daniel Benson Fränk and Andy Schleck to leave Saxo Bank 29 July 2010 10 December 2011 Cycling News 9 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110909132156/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/frank-and-andy-schleck-to-leave-saxo-bank liveSBS 2010Fränk SchleckSBS 2010Tom StamsnijderRAB 2010Bruno Piresneo-proDavide ViganòSKY 2010Jens Voigthttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-team-looking-likely-for-voigt Greg Johnson Luxembourg team looking likely for Voigt 24 September 2010 10 December 2011 Cycling News 27 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120927113048/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-team-looking-likely-for-voigt liveSBS 2010Robert WagnerSKS 2010Fabian WegmannMRM 2010Wouter WeylandtQST 2010Oliver Zaugghttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/zaugg-and-posthuma-to-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project Zaugg and Posthuma to Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project 23 November 2010 10 December 2011 Susan Westemeyer Cycling News 9 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110909100421/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/zaugg-and-posthuma-to-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project liveLIQ 2010 Genesis of the new team right|thumb|Kim Andersen, formerly a sporting director for SAX 2010, was one of the driving forces behind Leopard Trek's formation and held that same position with them in 2011.|alt=A man in his fifties behind the wheel of a car, as seen from the driver's side. He is looking out the opening left by the rolled-down window, to the left of the car. It was first reported shortly after the conclusion of the 2010 Tour de France that Andy and Fränk Schleck would leave SAX 2010, the team for which they had each ridden for the entirety of their respective careers, at the conclusion of that season. It was soon revealed that they would spearhead a new team, one based in their native Luxembourg, led by former SAX 2010 yes staff Kim Andersen and Brian Nygaard.ESPN staff http://www.espn.co.uk/cycling/sport/story/36774.html Schleck brothers to quit Saxo Bank cycling team 2011-07-30 ESPN.co.uk ESPN Internet Ventures 2012-04-23VeloNews.com http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/08/news/schleck-brothers-confirm-new-luxembourg-team_134586 Schleck brothers confirm new Luxembourg team 2011-08-14 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 2012-04-23 2012-09-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20120926002622/http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/08/news/schleck-brothers-confirm-new-luxembourg-team_134586 live Luxembourg real estate tycoon Flavio Becca was eventually revealed as the team's owner. Andersen and Nygaard sought him out in May 2010 for advice. Becca, a sports fan, had plans to form a new cycling team himself, and he offered Nygaard the position of general manager for his team, essentially combining their ambitions. Becca also brought Andersen on, giving the Dane a position as a sporting director.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nygaard-breaking-traditions-with-luxembourg-presentation Nygaard breaking traditions with Luxembourg presentation 2011-01-01 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-23 2012-11-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104055304/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nygaard-breaking-traditions-with-luxembourg-presentation live Fränk Schleck later revealed that he and his brother had had little to do with the formation of the team, being approached with the prospect of joining at the 2010 Tour of Luxembourg in June. Despite a good relationship with SAX 2010 yes manager Bjarne Riis, the brothers felt the opportunity to ride for a "home-based team" was too good to pass up.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/frank-schleck-says-he-was-not-involved-in-foundation-of-leopard-trek Fränk Schleck says he was not involved in foundation of Leopard-Trek 2011-01-07 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-24 2012-11-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104091607/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/frank-schleck-says-he-was-not-involved-in-foundation-of-leopard-trek live Andersen made similar comments, saying that the team would have gone forward even if the Schleck brothers rode elsewhere in 2011.Susan Westemeyer http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-pro-cycling-project-starts-out-on-top Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project starts out on top 2010-11-03 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-24 2012-11-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104012417/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-pro-cycling-project-starts-out-on-top live A solid portion of the team's ridership came from SAX 2010 yes just as the Schlecks had, as eight of the eleven riders to depart SAX 2010 yes in the 2010 offseason did so for this team.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/breschel-turned-down-interest-from-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project Breschel turned down interest from Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project 2010-12-09 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-23 2012-11-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20121102221108/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/breschel-turned-down-interest-from-luxembourg-pro-cycling-project live The most prominent of these was four-time world time trial champion Fabian Cancellara, who was under contract to SAX 2010 yes for 2011 and had to buy his way out of it. After doing so, the Swiss rider signed with the team for three years. The team had hired a roster of 25 riders at the time of their presentation, with Thomas Rohregger joining in late February.Shane Stokes http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6988/Confirmed--Schlecks-team-to-be-called-Leopard-Trek.aspx Confirmed – Schlecks' team to be called Leopard-Trek 2011-01-06 VeloNation VeloNation LLC 2012-04-24 2011-01-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20110108005503/http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6988/Confirmed--Schlecks-team-to-be-called-Leopard-Trek.aspx live No title sponsor was announced for the team in 2010, as it went about signing riders for its inaugural season.Conal Andrews http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/5384/Fifteen-rider-names-emerging-in-Schlecks-Team-Luxembourg-project.aspx Fifteen rider names emerging in Schleck's Team Luxembourg project 2010-08-24 VeloNation VeloNation LLC 2012-04-23 2010-10-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20101008173400/http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/5384/Fifteen-rider-names-emerging-in-Schlecks-Team-Luxembourg-project.aspx live It was known simply as the "Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project" for the first several months of its existence. Even as the end of 2010 neared, Nygaard steadfastly refused to reveal the team's official name, opting to hold off on doing so until the team's official presentation on January 6, 2011.Shane Stokes http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6720/Nygaard-wont-reveal-Luxembourg-Pro-Cycling-Project-team-name-until-official-launch.aspx Nygaard won't reveal Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project team name until official launch 2010-12-14 VeloNation VeloNation LLC 2012-04-24 2012-03-13 https://web.archive.org/web/20120313190450/http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6720/Nygaard-wont-reveal-Luxembourg-Pro-Cycling-Project-team-name-until-official-launch.aspx live Team member Jakob Fuglsang perhaps inadvertently revealed part of the name in an interview about three weeks before the team's presentation, saying the team would be called "Team Leopard" and that Leopard would be the name in the center of the jersey.Daniel Benson http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-team-to-be-called-team-leopard Luxembourg team to be called Team Leopard 2010-12-13 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-24 2012-09-30 https://web.archive.org/web/20120930055734/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-team-to-be-called-team-leopard live Trek, which signed on as a bike supplier in September,Nigel Wynn http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/497771/trek-sign-up-to-new-luxembourg-team.html Trek sign up to new Luxembourg team 2010-09-01 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited 2012-04-24 2010-10-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20101009023120/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/497771/trek-sign-up-to-new-luxembourg-team.html live was revealed as a title sponsor at the team's presentation, officially making the team's name Leopard Trek. The Leopard name has no particular meaning; it reflects Becca's holding company and is simply an animal he likes.James Startt http://www.bicycling.com/news/pro-cycling/leopard-trek-team-soul https://web.archive.org/web/20110130080604/http://www.bicycling.com/news/pro-cycling/leopard-trek-team-soul dead 2011-01-30 Leopard-Trek: A Team With Soul? 2011-01-06 Bicycling.com Rodale, Inc. 2012-04-24 The team presentation itself was something of a spectacle, featuring gymnasts, race videos, and presentations for each rider in front of an audience of 4,000 people, culminating in Nygaard and all riders appearing on stage wearing suit jackets and black scarves as they posed for photos.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/team-leopard-trek-presentation-video Team Leopard-Trek presentation video 2011-01-07 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-24 2012-03-03 https://web.archive.org/web/20120303194606/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/team-leopard-trek-presentation-video live Shortly after the team's presentation, Trek sent out a primer to cycling media detailing their preferences that the team not be referred to with the prefix "Team" as some other teams are and that there be no hyphen between the sponsors' names. They also specified a preferred verbal pronunciation and that when referred to in print, the team's name should appear in all capital letters. This last request was not widely adhered to.Cycle Sport staff http://www.cyclesportmag.com/news-and-comment/cs-blog-an-open-letter-to-leopard-trek/ CS Blog: An open letter to Leopard Trek 2011-01-14 Cycle Sport Online IPC Media Limited 2012-04-24 2012-03-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120329181128/http://www.cyclesportmag.com/news-and-comment/cs-blog-an-open-letter-to-leopard-trek/ live When the UCI released its list of teams graded according to their hierarchy that decided who would receive a World Tour license, this team's signees put them at the top, making them world number one before they even existed. This did not guarantee the team a top-level license, it simply qualified them for it, but they were later announced as having received a four-year World Tour license.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/first-uci-proteams-and-professional-continental-teams-announced First UCI ProTeams and Professional Continental Teams announced 2010-11-03 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-24 2012-10-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20121001163916/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/first-uci-proteams-and-professional-continental-teams-announced livePeter Hymas http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/uci-announce-18-proteams-for-2011 UCI announce 18 ProTeams for 2011 2010-11-22 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-24 2012-03-30 https://web.archive.org/web/20120330114306/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/uci-announce-18-proteams-for-2011 live Whether intentionally or incidentally, this corresponded to the initial financial guarantee Becca put up for the team. Nygaard hailed the license acquisition as the fruition of many months of hard work.Daniel Benson http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/brian-nygaard-weve-done-our-homework Brian Nygaard: We've done our homework 2010-11-22 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-24 2012-11-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104035039/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/brian-nygaard-weve-done-our-homework live This afforded the team automatic invitations to all World Tour events, including the season's three Grand Tours. One-day races Spring classics right|thumb|Dominic Klemme, pictured here prior to Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne, was the first rider to win a race in the team's history.|alt=A man in his mid-twenties wearing a cycling jersey with black sleeves, a white torso, and a blue stripe separating them, along with red-framed glasses. He is looking to his left off-frame. Klemme got the team's first-ever win early in the spring season, at Le Samyn. After a solo escapee was caught by an elite 12-rider group that came clear of the peloton, Klemme timed his attack on the day's final climb with precision and stayed out front for victory by eight seconds over Kevyn Ista.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/43rd-le-samyn-1-1/results Klemme takes first win for Leopard Trek 2011-03-02 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-02 2011-03-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20110305092151/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/43rd-le-samyn-1-1/results live The team came to the first monument race of the season, Milan–San Remo, with high ambitions. Cancellara aimed for a second triumph in the race, having previously won the 2008 edition, but he recognized that slipping away unmarked in the race's final kilometers as he did three years prior would be difficult to do again. He considered Philippe Gilbert to be his principal rival for the race.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-says-repeat-of-2008-milan-san-remo-attack-will-be-difficult Cancellara says repeat of 2008 Milan-San Remo attack will be difficult 2011-03-18 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-21 2011-03-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20110320131049/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-says-repeat-of-2008-milan-san-remo-attack-will-be-difficult live Cancellara and O'Grady made the day's major selection on the Le Manie climb, after a crash 90 km on from the finish. O'Grady hit out on the attack a few times shortly before the end of the race, but it was Cancellara who was present in an eight-rider group that formed on the Poggio which decided the race. These eight riders represented eight different teams, so no one was able to get a proper leadout. After Gilbert, Vincenzo Nibali, and Yoann Offredo opened up the sprint, Cancellara tried to come around them for the win, but was beaten at the line by THR 2011's Matthew Goss. Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/milan-san-remo-his/results Goss wins Milan–San Remo 2011-03-19 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-21 https://web.archive.org/web/20110322025205/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/milan-san-remo-his/results 2011-03-22 dead Cancellara was deeply disappointed to finish second, feeling that even though he had done one of the best sprints of his life, he had not done adequately to pay off his team's efforts on the day.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-considers-skipping-worlds-time-trial-and-aim-for-the-road Cancellara considers skipping Worlds time trial and aim for the road 2011-03-21 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-21 2011-03-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20110323081325/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-considers-skipping-worlds-time-trial-and-aim-for-the-road live Cancellara was noticeably still recovering from his Milan–San Remo effort at Dwars door Vlaanderen, where he tried to attack for victory in the finale, but faded quickly and finished only 36th.Daniel Benson http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-still-recovering-at-dwars-door-vlaanderen Cancellara still recovering at Dwars door Vlaanderen 2011-03-23 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-29 2011-03-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20110326191244/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-still-recovering-at-dwars-door-vlaanderen live The squad's best-placed rider was Posthuma in 31st.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/dwars-door-vlaanderen-a-travers-la-flandre-1-1-1/results Nuyens victorious at Dwars door Vlaanderen 2011-03-23 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-29 2011-03-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20110326181406/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/dwars-door-vlaanderen-a-travers-la-flandre-1-1-1/results live Cancellara's recovery was perhaps complete at the E3 Prijs Vlaanderen – Harelbeke. After a series of mechanical incidents, resulting in several wheel changes and then a whole bike change, Cancellara sped past the trailing peloton on the Oude Kwaremont climb and effortlessly bridged to the front of the race. Once there, he left even the front group on the road well behind him, winning the race by a full minute over second placed Vladimir Gusev. Cancellara said he was more impressed with this victory than when he won the same race in 2010, and analysis of his win suggested he stood as the odds-on favorite for the Tour of Flanders.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/e3-prijs-vlaanderen-harelbeke-1-hc/results Cancellara cruises to victory in late solo breakaway 2011-03-26 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-29 2011-08-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20110808233359/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/e3-prijs-vlaanderen-harelbeke-1-hc/results live Jonathan Vaughters, whose GRM 2011 team had effectively controlled the front of the race but were powerless to stop Cancellara, stated that should an on-form Cancellara ever get even five seconds' advantage at the front of a race near the end, he would likely not be seen again. Vaughters joked that rival teams would need a sniper to stop the Swiss classics specialist.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vaughters-garmin-cervelo-team-not-strong-enough-to-beat-cancellara-at-e3-prijs-vlaanderen Vaughters' Garmin–Cervélo team not strong enough to beat Cancellara at E3 Prijs Vlaanderen 2011-03-26 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-29 2011-08-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20110817134403/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vaughters-garmin-cervelo-team-not-strong-enough-to-beat-cancellara-at-e3-prijs-vlaanderen live Cancellara's pedigree, 2011 successes, and status as defending champion made him a major favorite for the second monument race, the Tour of Flanders.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-flanders-upt/preview Cancellara the man to beat at Tour of Flanders 2011-04-03 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-09 2011-04-03 https://web.archive.org/web/20110403033631/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-flanders-upt/preview liveJohn Wilcockson http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/04/news/tour-of-flanders-can-fabian-cancellara-do-what-eddy-merckx-couldn%E2%80%99t_166475 Tour of Flanders: Can Fabian Cancellara do what Eddy Merckx couldn't? 2011-04-02 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 2011-04-09 2011-04-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20110405170148/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/04/news/tour-of-flanders-can-fabian-cancellara-do-what-eddy-merckx-couldn%E2%80%99t_166475 live Cancellara put in a seemingly decisive move from the head of the main field on the Leberg, the fourteenth cobbled climb on the day's parcours. He quickly opened up a time gap of over a minute, and the race seemed to be decided. He cracked on the Muur van Geraardsbergen, however, and was swept up by an elite leading group of favorites and contenders. He put in a second acceleration on the last climb, the Bosberg, and was followed by Sylvain Chavanel and Nick Nuyens. Having perhaps spent himself too early in the race by attacking solo and not working with other riders to gain a large time gap,Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/winners-and-losers-from-the-tour-of-flanders Winners and losers from the Tour of Flanders 2011-04-04 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-09 2011-04-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20110407061319/http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/winners-and-losers-from-the-tour-of-flanders live Cancellara could only manage third of the three.Brecht Decaluwé http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-flanders-upt/results Nuyens makes his big break through 2011-04-03 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-09 2011-04-06 https://web.archive.org/web/20110406122305/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-flanders-upt/results live After the race, Cancellara blasted Nuyens and the other riders in the race, saying they only rode to keep him from winning. He referred to himself as a "gladiator" and said that the manner in which Nuyens won, staying in Cancellara's slipstream and then outsprinting him with the line in view, had no value in his eyes.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-warns-rivals-to-fasten-seatbelts-ahead-of-paris-roubaix Cancellara warns rivals to fasten seatbelts ahead of Paris–Roubaix 2011-04-05 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-12 2011-04-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20110408123526/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-warns-rivals-to-fasten-seatbelts-ahead-of-paris-roubaix live left|thumb|Fabian Cancellara was a marked man at the spring classics, but his many high placings gave him the world number one ranking after Paris–Roubaix.|alt=A road racing cyclist wearing a jersey with black sleeves, a white torso, and a blue stripe separating them. He is smiling, and also wears sunglasses with red lenses and a blue and white helmet. Cancellara was again thought to be the odds-on favorite at the next monument classic, Paris–Roubaix.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/paris-roubaix-2011-the-top-contenders Paris-Roubaix 2011: the top contenders 2011-04-08 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-11 2011-04-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20110411043157/http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/paris-roubaix-2011-the-top-contenders live After an aggressive first two hours of racing kept any breakaway groups from going clear, a leading group of 21 slowly formed between the start of the cobbles and the Arenberg sector. They took a maximum advantage of two and a half minutes. The second group on the road gradually whittled down to a select group of top favorites. Cancellara tried several times to accelerate out of this group to bridge to the front of the race. Thor Hushovd, Alessandro Ballan, and Juan Antonio Flecha marked his moves, but did not contribute any work, instead simply holding Cancellara's wheel. Eventually, Cancellara decided against towing the superior sprinter Hushovd to the front of the race with him, and for a while forwent further attacks. During this time, the leaders' time gap held steady at about 90 seconds for many kilometers. Right about the time that Johan Vansummeren attacked from the leading group and got free to occupy first position on the road, with 15 km on left to race, Cancellara did likewise out of the group of favorites, putting in easily his most intensive pull. Only Hushovd and Ballan could follow, and they stormed past the remnants of the earlier breakaway, with the exception of Vansummeren who remained out front for victory. Cancellara bested Maarten Tjallingii and Grégory Rast in a sprint for second place 19 seconds back of the Belgian. Brecht Decaluwé http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-roubaix-his/results Van Summeren solos to gutsy victory at Paris–Roubaix 2011-04-10 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20110412011131/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-roubaix-his/results 2011-04-12 dead Cancellara again rued after the race that everyone had marked him and only him. He claimed that the non-cooperation of riders like Hushovd and Ballan had meant victory for him was not possible, and so second place for him was like a victory that day.Hedwig Kröner http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-marked-out-of-paris-roubaix Cancellara marked out of Paris–Roubaix 2011-04-11 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-12 2011-04-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20110414121610/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-marked-out-of-paris-roubaix live Vaughters commented that Cancellara was indeed the strongest single rider in the race, but his squad had been the strongest team, which was why they won.Daniel Benson http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/video-vaughters-on-van-summeren-and-garmin-tactics-in-paris-roubaix Video: Vaughters on Van Summeren and Garmin tactics in Paris–Roubaix 2011-04-10 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-11 2011-04-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20110412004711/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/video-vaughters-on-van-summeren-and-garmin-tactics-in-paris-roubaix live Cancellara was also badly isolated from his teammates as a result of his rivals' tactics and his teammates' lesser form. The only other Leopard Trek rider after to finish the race was Mortensen in 94th, almost 14 minutes down.Daniel Benson http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/winners-and-losers-from-paris-roubaix Winners and losers from Paris–Roubaix 2011-04-11 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-11 2011-04-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20110414121605/http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/winners-and-losers-from-paris-roubaix live Cancellara's ride was not entirely without reward, as it was after Paris–Roubaix that he attained the UCI world number one ranking, thanks mostly to his three podium finishes at the monuments.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-radioshack-and-italy-top-uci-worldtour-rankings Cancellara, RadioShack and Italy top UCI WorldTour rankings 2011-04-11 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-12 2011-04-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20110414001234/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-radioshack-and-italy-top-uci-worldtour-rankings live Cancellara was not considered to be a favorite for the Amstel Gold Race, though he was part of the strong squad that the Leopard Trek team brought to the race. Sporting director Kim Andersen stated the race was more of a goal for one of the Schleck brothers.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/strong-leopard-team-for-amstel-gold-race Strong Leopard team for Amstel Gold Race 2011-04-15 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-19 2011-04-18 https://web.archive.org/web/20110418135332/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/strong-leopard-team-for-amstel-gold-race live Cancellara commented that he felt "free as a bird" in the Amstel, riding it for the first time since 2004, and that he was not under pressure to get a result. He identified Philippe Gilbert as the main favorite for the race, and promised not to ride against him as he felt his rivals had done to him in the cobbled classics.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-not-under-pressure-at-amstel-gold-race Cancellara not under pressure at Amstel Gold Race 2011-04-17 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-19 2011-04-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20110420125244/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cancellara-not-under-pressure-at-amstel-gold-race live The race took place two days after Fränk Schleck's 30th birthday, further intensifying it as a goal for him.Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/frank-schleck-looking-for-a-birthday-present-at-the-amstel-gold-race Fränk Schleck looking for a birthday present at the Amstel Gold Race 2011-04-16 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-19 2011-04-27 https://web.archive.org/web/20110427205126/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/frank-schleck-looking-for-a-birthday-present-at-the-amstel-gold-race live Cancellara and both Schleck brothers effectively stayed at the front of the race most of the day, but Cancellara and Fränk Schleck lost contact after crashing on the Gulperberg 28 km on from the finish. This left Andy Schleck alone to fend for victory, and his tactic was a solo attack launched from 12 km on out, on the Keutenberg. The tactic was nearly successful, as the younger Schleck brother occupied first position on the road with only 500 m on left to race, but a chase pack led by Gilbert overhauled him at that point. Visibly spent from his solo effort, Schleck had nothing left for the finale and finished 11th, 28 seconds down on race winner Gilbert. He stated after the race that he was satisfied with his effort, feeling that going for the win from so far out was his only play for victory without any teammates in the front group. He may have finished a few positions higher if he had stayed with the Gilbert group, but he almost certainly would have had no chance for victory against the fast finisher Gilbert; thus, the solo attack was the correct move in his eyes, since his only ambition was victory.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/amstel-gold-race-upt/results Gilbert repeats at Amstel Gold Race 2011-04-17 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-18 2011-04-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20110420025939/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/amstel-gold-race-upt/results liveStephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/no-regrets-for-andy-schleck-after-his-amstel-gold-race-attack No regrets for Andy Schleck after his Amstel Gold Race attack 2011-04-17 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-18 2011-04-21 https://web.archive.org/web/20110421061647/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/no-regrets-for-andy-schleck-after-his-amstel-gold-race-attack live Danish rider Jakob Fuglsang, however, managed to snatch a result for the team, as he finished in 4th place, 5 seconds down on Gilbert. The Schleck brothers were again the squad leaders for the remaining Ardennes classics, La Flèche Wallonne and Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Pre-race analyses mentioned them as contenders for both races.Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/la-fleche-wallonne-his/preview Climbers look to show strength on the Mur 2011-04-20 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20110423082207/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/la-fleche-wallonne-his/preview 2011-04-23 deadJane Aubrey http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/liege-bastogne-liege-his/preview Gilbert looks to continue dominance at Liège 2011-04-24 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20110426013535/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/liege-bastogne-liege-his/preview 2011-04-26 dead At La Flèche Wallonne, Andy Schleck worked for brother Fränk, taking pulls at the front of the main field to help chase down the morning breakaway. He did not feel physically up to riding for the win.Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/andy-schleck-admits-he-was-on-a-bad-day-at-fleche-wallonne Andy Schleck admits he was on a bad day at Flèche Wallonne 2011-04-20 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-26 2011-04-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20110424122006/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/andy-schleck-admits-he-was-on-a-bad-day-at-fleche-wallonne live Fränk was able to ride at the front of the race all day, and made the selections up to the race-concluding Mur de Huy. Philippe Gilbert made an early attack on the Mur and held on to win – Fränk was seventh, six seconds back. Brecht Decaluwé http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/la-fleche-wallonne-his/results Gilbert takes audacious victory atop Mur de Huy 2011-04-20 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20110425034645/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/la-fleche-wallonne-his/results 2011-04-25 dead Both brothers rode well at Liège–Bastogne–Liège. On the Côte de Roche aux Faucons, 20 km on from the end of the race, they both surged clear of the group of race favorites. Gilbert marked them, and stayed in their slipstreams as the trio surged to the front of the race. Later, the Belgian also took pulls, and even tried to solo for victory, but could not shake the Schlecks. The three survived to the finish, 24 seconds clear of a chase pack that formed on the Côte de Saint-Nicolas. Neither brother attacked in the finale, which came on a slight downhill, leaving the superior sprinter Gilbert to take a rather easy win, his fourth in 11 days. Brecht Decaluwé http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/liege-bastogne-liege-his/results Gilbert the great! 2011-04-24 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20110427052944/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/liege-bastogne-liege-his/results 2011-04-27 dead Despite the spring classics season ending without any victories, Nygaard stated he felt satisfied with the many high placings the team had achieved, particularly in the face of Gilbert's clear strength.Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nygaard-satisfied-with-string-of-leopard-trek-podium-places Nygaard satisfied with string of Leopard Trek podium places 2011-04-25 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-26 2011-04-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20110429045714/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nygaard-satisfied-with-string-of-leopard-trek-podium-places live Additionally, Leopard Trek became the number one team in the UCI's rankings after Liège–Bastogne–Liège, a position they had occupied, to no small amount of criticism, before the season and before they officially existed.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gilbert-goes-top-of-worldtour-standings Gilbert goes top of WorldTour standings 2011-04-25 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-26 2011-04-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20110429045703/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gilbert-goes-top-of-worldtour-standings live Nizzolo closed out the team's early-season account by with a podium finish at the inaugural ProRace Berlin, taking second in the mass sprint behind SKS 2011's Marcel Kittel.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/prorace-berlin-1-1/results Kittel wins ProRace Berlin 2011-05-22 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2011-09-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20110914124012/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/prorace-berlin-1-1/results live The team also sent squads to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the Clásica de Almería, Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne, the Scheldeprijs and the Eschborn–Frankfurt City Loop, but placed no higher than 11th in any of these races. Fall races The team had an excellent later half of the season in single-day races, attaining top-ten placings in all but one such race that they entered. This successful run started at the Clásica de San Sebastián. Both Schleck brothers were mentioned as possible pre-race contenders,Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/clasica-ciclista-san-sebastian-upt/preview Tour stars and home riders to the fore in San Sebastián 2011-07-30 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-04-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20120401072235/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/clasica-ciclista-san-sebastian-upt/preview live and Fränk Schleck rode to sixth place on the day by finishing with the first chase pack back of solo winner Philippe Gilbert and second-placed Carlos Barredo.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/clasica-ciclista-san-sebastian-upt/results Gilbert's stunning season continues with San Sebastián victory 2011-07-30 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-04-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20120420053314/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/clasica-ciclista-san-sebastian-upt/results live In August, Nizzolo continued his strong neo-pro season with a fifth place ride at the GP Ouest-France, finishing second-best from the peloton behind three attacking riders who took each podium place just ahead of them.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/gp-ouest-france-plouay-upt-2/results Bole sprints to win in Plouay 2011-08-28 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-01-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20120115125817/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/gp-ouest-france-plouay-upt-2/results live left|thumb|Oliver Zaugg, pictured here riding the 2009 world championships road race, won the monument classic the Giro di Lombardia for the first race victory of his professional career.|alt=A road racing cyclist wearing a red and white jersey, styled after the Swiss flag. The team next took high placings at the two UCI World Tour races in Canada, the GP de Québec and the GP de Montréal. Though Andy Schleck intended to start the GP de Québec, he was forced to pull out due to dental issue. Wegmann was mentioned among the pre-race contenders,Kirsten Frattini http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-cycliste-de-quebec-upt-1/preview Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec and Montreal attract Tour de France contenders 2011-09-09 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-04-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20120408021337/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-cycliste-de-quebec-upt-1/preview live and it was indeed the veteran German who turned in the team's top performance. He followed eventual race winner Gilbert when the Belgian made his winning move on the course's penultimate climb, eventually coming in fourth at the finish, 14 seconds down.Kirsten Frattini http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-cycliste-de-quebec-upt-1/results Gilbert triumphs in GP Quebec City 2011-09-09 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-03-30 https://web.archive.org/web/20120330113049/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-cycliste-de-quebec-upt-1/results live Denifl was the team's top rider two days later in Montréal. Part of a late breakaway, he occupied third position on the road until the final moments, when Gilbert and his OLO 2011 teammate Jürgen Roelandts surpassed him, leaving him fifth on the day.Kirsten Frattini http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-cycliste-de-montreal-upt-1/results Costa claims GP Montreal 2011-09-11 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-03-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20120324235125/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-cycliste-de-montreal-upt-1/results live Back in Europe later in September, the team achieved podium finishes at the Grand Prix de la Somme and the Grand Prix d'Isbergues. Wegmann finished third at the Grand Prix de la Somme, completing the podium behind Anthony Roux and Lloyd Mondory at the front of a 13-rider sprint finish.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-de-la-somme-1-1/results Roux jumps to win in Roisel 2011-09-16 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-01-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20120125093812/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-de-la-somme-1-1/results live O'Grady then narrowly missed out on taking a first solo win in three years in Isbergues, losing a two-up sprint to SAX 2011's Jonas Aaen Jørgensen and settling for second place overall. Wagner led the peloton over the line 8 seconds later to give Leopard Trek two of the three podium spots.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-disbergues-pas-de-calais-1-1-2/results Jorgensen edges O'Grady to win Isbergues 2011-09-19 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-01-27 https://web.archive.org/web/20120127090625/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-disbergues-pas-de-calais-1-1-2/results live In October, Wegmann rode to sixth place in his native Germany in the mass finish to the Sparkassen Giro.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/sparkassen-munsterland-giro-1-1-2/results Kittel claims Sparkassen Münsterland Giro 2011-10-03 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-04-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20120420092148/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/sparkassen-munsterland-giro-1-1-2/results live The next day, trainee rider Rüdiger Selig won a selective sprint finish at Binche–Tournai–Binche, beating out former Tour de France green jersey winner Baden Cooke and a field including seven first-division teams. Viganò nearly joined him on the podium, taking fourth place.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/binche-tournai-binche-1-1-1/results Selig sprints to victory 2011-10-04 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-17 2012-01-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20120114030129/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/binche-tournai-binche-1-1-1/results live Zaugg then showed signs of his coming late-season form at the Giro dell'Emilia, finishing in ninth place 33 seconds back of the solo winner.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-dellemilia-1-hc-1/results Betancur triumphs at Giro dell'Emilia 2011-10-08 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-01-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20120114052659/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-dellemilia-1-hc-1/results live The team took two top-ten places at the next day, at concurrent races, the GP Bruno Beghelli and Paris–Tours. At the Italian race, Monfort found his way into a winning breakaway that formed as the morning's initial breakaway was caught, eventually finishing the day in 7th place, 21 seconds behind the winner Filippo Pozzato.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/gran-premio-bruno-beghelli-1-1/results Pozzato picks up much-needed win 2011-10-09 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-01-13 https://web.archive.org/web/20120113182335/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/gran-premio-bruno-beghelli-1-1/results live At the same time in France, O'Grady rode to an 8th-place finish behind BMC 2011's Greg Van Avermaet.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-tours-1-hc-1/results Van Avermaet victorious in Paris–Tours 2011-10-09 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-04-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20120407153502/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-tours-1-hc-1/results live With the team's merger with Team RadioShack already announced, the traditional season-closing weekend in Italy at the Giro del Piemonte and the Giro di Lombardia effectively figured to comprise the team's final races under this guise. At the Giro del Piemonte, Bennati made each of the day's selections, first a 31-rider group that formed at the 85 km on to go mark and then a 14-rider break in the race's final kilometer. He could manage only seventh in the uphill final sprint, however.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-del-piemonte-1-hc-1/results Moreno wins Gran Piemonte 2011-10-13 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-05-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20120508054252/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-del-piemonte-1-hc-1/results live The team did not have any rider highlighted as a favorite entering the Giro di Lombardia; pre-race analyses held Gilbert as the man to beat.Daniel Friebe http://www.cyclingnews.com/giro-di-lombardia/preview Gilbert the man to beat as chapter closes for Tour of Lombardy 2011-10-15 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20111017121349/http://www.cyclingnews.com/giro-di-lombardia/preview 2011-10-17 deadAndrew Hood http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/10/news/preview-all-eyes-on-gilbert-for-lombardia_195404 Preview: All eyes on Gilbert for Lombardia 2011-10-14 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 2012-04-16 2012-04-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20120424045637/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/10/news/preview-all-eyes-on-gilbert-for-lombardia_195404 live Zaugg rode at the front of the race the entire day, riding off the front to occupy first position as the solo leader on the Villa Vergano climb. He then maintained his advantage on the alternating flat sections and remaining climbs (the Muro dell'Alpino and the finishing climb in Lecco), holding on for victory ahead of GRM 2011's Dan Martin and KAT 2011's Joaquim Rodríguez by 8 seconds. The victory was not only Zaugg's first monument classic win, or even his first single-day win, it was his first professional victory of any kind, coming at age 30. Post-race analysis compared Zaugg's triumph to some of the more notable upsets to which the race has played host in its history.Daniel Friebe http://www.cyclingnews.com/giro-di-lombardia/results Zaugg solos to win in Lombardia 2011-10-15 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120523014636/http://www.cyclingnews.com/giro-di-lombardia/results 2012-05-23 The team's lone miss to this level of success was at Vattenfall Cyclassics, where Wegmann finished as the team's best rider, in 15th place.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vattenfall-cyclassics-upt-1/results Boasson Hagen claims Vattenfall victory Cycling News 21 August 2011 23 December 2011 17 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110917050940/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vattenfall-cyclassics-upt-1/results live Stage races After the team had been shut out in early season stage races, Cancellara was victorious in the short individual time trial that closed out Tirreno–Adriatico. Taking the course some two hours before the race's top riders, the four-time world champion covered the 9.3 km 1 on distance in 10'33", and only one rider came within ten seconds of his time.Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/46th-tirreno-adriatico-his/stage-7/results Cancellara crushes final Tirreno stage 2011-03-15 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-16 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110318172554/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/46th-tirreno-adriatico-his/stage-7/results 2011-03-18 At Critérium International in March, five-time champion Voigt was hopeful of breaking the record he shares with Émile Idée and Raymond Poulidor to stand alone as a six-time champion,Bjorn Haake http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/7904/Jens-Voigt-Interview-Eyeing-a-sixth-Criterium-International-victory.aspx Jens Voigt Interview: Eyeing a sixth Critérium International victory 2011-03-25 VeloNation VeloNation LLC 2011-03-29 2011-05-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20110529221220/http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/7904/Jens-Voigt-Interview-Eyeing-a-sixth-Criterium-International-victory.aspx live but admitted that the course and the weather did not suit him, and so his chances would be slim.Andrew Hood http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/02/news/jens-voigt-concedes-slim-shot-at-criterium-international-record-holds-off-on-retirement-announcement_161966 Jens Voigt concedes slim shot at Critérium International record; holds off on retirement announcement 2011-02-28 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 2011-03-29 2011-04-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20110405094225/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/02/news/jens-voigt-concedes-slim-shot-at-criterium-international-record-holds-off-on-retirement-announcement_161966 live During the decisive stage 1, Voigt bridged up to a morning breakaway some 90 km on from the finish on the Col de l'Ospedale. He said afterward that he might slip away unmarked and stay away for victory, but if he were chased it would make the race hard, and a hard race would suit the Schleck brothers.VeloNation Press http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/7910/Criterium-International-Voigt-speaks-about-his-fight-for-stage-victory.aspx Critérium International: Voigt speaks about his fight for stage victory 2011-03-26 VeloNation VeloNation LLC 2011-03-29 2012-03-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20120328175148/http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/7910/Criterium-International-Voigt-speaks-about-his-fight-for-stage-victory.aspx live The latter scenario is exactly what occurred. Voigt was caught well before the summit of the Ospedale and finished the day in 75th place, over 20 minutes down, but the Schlecks both stayed with the front group on the road throughout the stage. Fränk Schleck put in his own attack for victory 2 km on from the summit and stayed away for victory. Andy Schleck was tenth, a minute down on his brother.Jean-François Quénet http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/80th-criterium-international-2-hc/stage-1/results Fränk Schleck climbs to victory in opening stage 2011-03-26 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-29 2011-08-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20110817083208/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/80th-criterium-international-2-hc/stage-1/results live The elder Schleck brother held his advantage through the flat stage and individual time trial on day two of the three-stage race, emerging as overall victor.Jean-François Quénet http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/80th-criterium-international-2-hc/stage-3/results Schleck defends overall lead 2011-03-27 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-29 2011-08-22 https://web.archive.org/web/20110822034047/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/80th-criterium-international-2-hc/stage-3/results live right|thumb|Daniele Bennati, pictured here at Gent–Wevelgem, was greatly successful at the Circuit de la Sarthe, winning three stages and the points jersey. He also won a stage each at the Tour of Austria and the Tour de Wallonie later in the season.|alt=A road racing cyclist in a jersey with black sleeves, a white torso, and a blue stripe separating the two. His bicycle is only partly visible, and spectators watch from behind a roadside barricade. Bennati found great success at the Circuit de la Sarthe, taking his first wins in over a year at that race. The Italian sprinter first won stage 1 in a full field sprint before GRM 2011's Michel Kreder defeated him in the sprint finish the next day.Jean-François Quénet http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-cycliste-sarthe-pays-de-la-loire-2-1/stage-1/results Bennati wins the sprint in St-Mars-la-Jaille 2011-04-05 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-11 2011-04-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20110408123616/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-cycliste-sarthe-pays-de-la-loire-2-1/stage-1/results liveJean-François Quénet http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-cycliste-sarthe-pays-de-la-loire-2-1/stage-2/results Kreder surprises Bennati to win stage two 2011-04-06 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-11 2011-04-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20110410031245/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-cycliste-sarthe-pays-de-la-loire-2-1/stage-2/results live Later the same day as stage 2, Bennati won the 6.8 km on time trial to extend his overall lead. It was the first time trial Bennati had ever won as a professional.Jean-François Quénet http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-cycliste-sarthe-pays-de-la-loire-2-1/stage-3/results Bennati wins the time trial in Angers 2011-04-06 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-11 2011-04-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20110410031256/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-cycliste-sarthe-pays-de-la-loire-2-1/stage-3/results live He finished six minutes down in the hilly fourth stage, losing any chance at winning the race overall,Jean-François Quénet http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-cycliste-sarthe-pays-de-la-loire-2-1/stage-4/results Roux wins hilly stage and takes the lead 2011-04-07 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-11 2011-04-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20110410121105/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-cycliste-sarthe-pays-de-la-loire-2-1/stage-4/results live but he rebounded to claim a third win in the event in a reduced sprint in stage 5. Three wins and a second place meant he handily won the event's points classification as well.Jean-François Quénet http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-cycliste-sarthe-pays-de-la-loire-2-1/stage-5/results Bennati strikes again 2011-04-08 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-11 2011-04-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20110411043508/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-cycliste-sarthe-pays-de-la-loire-2-1/stage-5/results live The team rode with heavy hearts at the Tour of California in May. It was their first event back in competition after their mass withdrawal from the Giro d'Italia the day after the death of team member Wouter Weylandt. The race paid tribute to Weylandt by holding a moment of silence before its first stage and allowing the Leopard Trek team to lead the peloton into the neutralized zone, as well as all organization, staff, and riders wearing black armbands.Laura Weislo http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-racing-for-weylandt-in-california Leopard Trek racing for Weylandt in California 2011-05-14 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-04-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20120408001528/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-racing-for-weylandt-in-california live The team did not attain any victories in the race, with Gerdemann in 11th place their best finisher.Laura Weislo http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/6th-amgen-tour-of-california-2-hc/stage-8/results Goss finally gets his win in Thousand Oaks 2011-05-22 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20110623145902/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/6th-amgen-tour-of-california-2-hc/stage-8/results 2011-06-23 dead Neo-pro Nizzolo took the team's lone win in the month of May, triumphing in the field sprint finish to Bayern Rundfahrt's final stage.Susan Westemeyer http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/bayern-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-5/results Thomas triumphs at Bayern-Rundfahrt 2011-05-29 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2011-09-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20110902082738/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/bayern-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-5/results live The team proved to be a prolific winner in stage race events over the summer. The first was the Tour de Luxembourg, a race with special meaning for the team as it is in Luxembourg where they are headquartered and derive much of their identity. Several riders all but certain to participate in the forthcoming Tour de France rode the Tour de Luxembourg.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-aiming-for-top-spot-in-luxembourg Leopard-Trek aiming for top spot in Luxembourg 2011-06-01 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2011-09-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20110902082454/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-aiming-for-top-spot-in-luxembourg live Cancellara dominantly won the 2.6 km 1 on prologue individual time trial, finishing five seconds the better of EUC 2011's Damien Gaudin. No other time gap from one rider to the next exceeded three seconds, and most were only fractions of a second.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/71st-skoda-tour-de-luxembourg-2-hc/prologue/results Cancellara crushes in Luxembourg prologue 2011-06-01 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110902071622/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/71st-skoda-tour-de-luxembourg-2-hc/prologue/results 2011-09-02 Two days later, Gerdemann seized control of the race by winning stage 2 after dropping two breakaway companions. He rode solo to the win 9 seconds ahead of the peloton, which gave him the race lead.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/71st-skoda-tour-de-luxembourg-2-hc/stage-2/results Gerdemann doubles up in Luxembourg 2011-06-03 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110902082702/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/71st-skoda-tour-de-luxembourg-2-hc/stage-2/results 2011-09-02 He retained through the conclusion of the race two days later, thus taking the overall crown.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/71st-skoda-tour-de-luxembourg-2-hc/stage-4/results Feillu finally gets his win 2011-06-05 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20110902082708/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/71st-skoda-tour-de-luxembourg-2-hc/stage-4/results 2011-09-02 dead Later in the month of June came the Tour de Suisse. Cancellara again proved the best in the prologue time trial, this one 7.1 km 1 on long, besting THR 2011's Tejay van Garderen by 9 seconds.Susan Westemeyer http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/75th-tour-de-suisse-upt/stage-1/results Cancellara wins Tour de Suisse opener 2011-06-11 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120402162023/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/75th-tour-de-suisse-upt/stage-1/results 2012-04-02 He then won the longer time trial stage that concluded the event eight days later, a 32.1 km 1 on race against the clock. This performance was not as dominant, as his winning margin was again 9 seconds, this time over RSH 2011's Andreas Klöden. The team missed out on the event's final podium but nonetheless showed strongly overall, with Fuglsang, Fränk Schleck, and Monfort all finishing in the top ten. Andy Schleck also took what is for his career a relative rarity gaining a noteworthy result outside the Tour de France. He won the climber's jersey, having first taken it after stage 7.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/75th-tour-de-suisse-upt/stage-7/results De Gendt caps long break with solo win 2011-06-17 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20111017030434/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/75th-tour-de-suisse-upt/stage-7/results 2011-10-17 deadBarry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/75th-tour-de-suisse-upt/stage-9/results Leipheimer erases deficit to Cunego, wins overall 2011-06-19 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111017025026/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/75th-tour-de-suisse-upt/stage-9/results 2011-10-17 Later in the summer, the team won stages at three further events, with Bennati winning sprints at the Tour of Austria and the Tour de Wallonie,Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/int-osterreich-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-8/results Bennati sprints to final stage 2011-07-10 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-04-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20120401124935/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/int-osterreich-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-8/results liveCycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-wallonie-2-hc-2/stage-3/results Bennati prevails in Perwez 2011-07-25 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2011-08-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20110807233522/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-wallonie-2-hc-2/stage-3/results live and Fuglsang a solo win at the end of a finishing circuit in stage 3 at the Tour of Denmark.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-denmark-2-hc/stage-3/ https://archive.today/20130121055548/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-denmark-2-hc/stage-3/ dead 2013-01-21 Fuglsang grabs Vejle victory 2011-08-05 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 The team also sent squads to the Tour Down Under, the Tour of Qatar, the Volta ao Algarve, Vuelta an Andalucía, Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen, Paris–Nice, Volta a Catalunya, the Tour of the Basque Country, the Tour de Romandie, the Four Days of Dunkirk, the Tour of California, the Critérium du Dauphiné, Delta Tour Zeeland, the Ster ZLM Toer, the Tour de Pologne, the Eneco Tour, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, the Tour du Poitou Charentes, the Tour of Britain, the Tour de Wallonie-Picarde and the Tour of Beijing, but did not achieve a stage win, classification win, or podium finish in any of them. Grand Tours Giro d'Italia Leopard Trek entered the Giro with limited aspirations. Squad leader Wegmann was a former Giro mountains classification winner, but he said he would not target that award in the 2011 Giro and instead hoped for a stage win. He said the squad would aim to finish eighth or better in the opening team time trial and that Zaugg was the squad's general classification rider, though it would be unlikely for him to finish higher than 15th.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wegmann-looking-to-survive-giro-ditalia-to-the-end Wegmann looking to survive Giro d'Italia to the end 2011-05-06 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-05-11 2011-05-13 https://web.archive.org/web/20110513231915/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wegmann-looking-to-survive-giro-ditalia-to-the-end live The squad came in 14th in the team time trial, finishing with eight riders together at a deficit of 42 seconds to the winners THR 2011.Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-his/stage-1/results HTC–Highroad triumphs in team time trial 2011-05-07 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-05-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20110510134714/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-his/stage-1/results 2011-05-10 dead Weylandt was ninth in the field sprint to finish stage 2 the next day.Susan Westemeyer http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-his/stage-2/results Petacchi wins the sprint in Parma 2011-05-08 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-05-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20110510143805/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-his/stage-2/results 2011-05-10 dead Death of Wouter Weylandt During the descent of the third-category Passo del Bocco in stage 3, Weylandt crashed and suffered catastrophic injury. Race doctor Giovanni Tredici and the doctor for the GRM 2011 team were in cars very near Weylandt's group on the road, and administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation for approximately 40 minutes.Jeremy Inson Associated Press https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110509/ap_on_sp_ot/cyc_giro_cyclist_dies#mwpphu-container Cycling rocked by Belgian cyclist's death in Giro 2011-05-09 Yahoo! News Yahoo Inc. 2011-05-10 2011-05-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20110512023938/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110509/ap_on_sp_ot/cyc_giro_cyclist_dies#mwpphu-container live Doctors also gave Weylandt adrenaline and atropine to try to restart his heart, though Tredici stated after the fact that resuscitation efforts were rather clearly in vain, and that Weylandt was already dead by the time they got to him.http://www.espn.co.uk/cycling/sport/story/89674.html Weylandt involved in horror crash at Giro ESPN 9 May 2011 20 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131020181957/http://www.espn.co.uk/cycling/sport/story/89674.html live They were never able to revive the Belgian, and he was declared dead on the spot.http://www.corriere.it/sport/11_maggio_09/giro-caduta-Wouter-weylandt_002abd6c-7a4a-11e0-a5b9-91021abd11c5.shtml Ciclista belga cade al Giro e muore – Corriere della Sera Corriere.it 2009-12-24 2012-06-15 2012-10-13 https://web.archive.org/web/20121013204403/http://www.corriere.it/sport/11_maggio_09/giro-caduta-Wouter-weylandt_002abd6c-7a4a-11e0-a5b9-91021abd11c5.shtml live A short time later, Weylandt's body was airlifted off the descent and taken to a nearby hospital, where the pathologist conducting the autopsy concluded that the Belgian had sustained a basilar skull fracture, and had died immediately upon crashing.Agence France-Presse https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110510/sp_wl_afp/cyclinggiroitaweylandt Tour of Italy cyclist Weylandt 'died instantly' 2011-05-10 Yahoo! News Yahoo Inc. 2011-05-10 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110517120146/http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110510/sp_wl_afp/cyclinggiroitaweylandt 2011-05-17 Weylandt's death was the first at the Giro in 25 years, and the first at one of cycling's Grand Tours since Fabio Casartelli died during the 1995 Tour de France.https://www.usatoday.com/sports/cycling/2011-05-09-cyclist-wouter-weylandt-injured-giro_N.htm Giro officials: Wouter Weylandt has died in cycling crash 2011-05-09 USA Today Gannett Company 2011-05-10 2011-05-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20110512143310/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/cycling/2011-05-09-cyclist-wouter-weylandt-injured-giro_N.htm live Manuel Antonio Cardoso of RSH 2011 had been nearest to Weylandt when he crashed, and stated that Weylandt had touched a small retaining wall on the left side of the road with either his pedal or his handlebars, and was then catapulted across the road to the other side, where he again collided with something. He had looked behind him to ascertain his exact position in the race when he clipped the wall. Teammate Stamsnijder also witnessed the accident, saying "it was a very hard fall." Italian police, conducting an inquest into Weylandt's death, also took an official statement from the Portuguese rider at Team RadioShack's hotel.Andrew Hood http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/05/news/crash-witness-%E2%80%98weylandt-was-catapulted-across-the-road%E2%80%99_172140 Crash witness: 'Weylandt was catapulted across the road' 2011-05-09 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 2011-05-10 2012-09-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120929100248/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/05/news/crash-witness-%E2%80%98weylandt-was-catapulted-across-the-road%E2%80%99_172140 live A memorial was placed at the crash site, where Weylandt's widow and mother, along with cyclists, passersby and residents of nearby villages, placed flowers.Andrew Hood http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/05/news/video-wouter-weylandt-memorial-at-crash-scene_172277 VIDEO: Wouter Weylandt memorial at crash scene 2011-05-10 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 2011-05-10 2014-08-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20140828083535/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/05/news/video-wouter-weylandt-memorial-at-crash-scene_172277 live The Leopard Trek team remained in the race for another day at the encouragement of Weylandt's family.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nygaard-and-leopard-trek-share-in-grief-of-weylandt-family Nygaard and Leopard Trek share in grief of Weylandt family 2011-05-10 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-05-10 2015-04-06 https://web.archive.org/web/20150406121643/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nygaard-and-leopard-trek-share-in-grief-of-weylandt-family live Race leader David Millar spent the evening discussing with members of Leopard Trek, his teammate (and Weylandt's training partner and best friend) Tyler Farrar, and Weylandt's family how best to pay tribute to the fallen rider.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/millar-pays-tribute-to-weylandt Millar pays tribute to Weylandt 2011-05-09 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-05-10 2014-09-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20140914181201/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/millar-pays-tribute-to-weylandt live Weylandt wore bib number 108 in the race, and Giro officials have said they will not assign the number in future editions of the race. The next day's stage was preceded by a minute's silence, and ridden as a procession in Weylandt's memory. In keeping with convention, there was no competitive racing. Each of the 23 teams took to the front of the peloton for about 15 minutes, and the remaining Leopard Trek squad, along with Farrar, were allowed to finish first with their arms around each other. Millar led the rest of the field across the line a few seconds later. No results for the stage were recorded, and it did not count towards the general classification or any of the points competitions. After the stage, instead of any podium presentations, the four jersey classification leaders (Millar, Alessandro Petacchi, Gianluca Brambilla, and Jan Bakelants) appeared on stage with the Leopard Trek team to lead another moment of silence.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-his/stage-4/results Stage neutralised as Giro d'Italia pays tribute to Wouter Weylandt 2011-05-10 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-05-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20110513064025/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-his/stage-4/results 2011-05-13 dead Subsequently, Farrar and the remaining Leopard Trek squad all decided to leave the race.Jean-François Quénet http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/farrar-to-leave-the-giro-ditalia-after-stage-4 Farrar to leave the Giro d'Italia after stage 4 2011-05-10 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-05-10 2014-09-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20140914134131/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/farrar-to-leave-the-giro-ditalia-after-stage-4 liveCycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-leaves-giro-ditalia Leopard Trek leaves Giro d'Italia 2011-05-10 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-05-10 2014-09-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20140914134616/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-leaves-giro-ditalia live Feillu did not want to leave the Giro, feeling that continuing to race would have been the best way to honor Weylandt, but he did not mind acquiescing to his teammates' will.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/feillu-would-have-preferred-to-continue-giro-ditalia Feillu would have preferred to continue Giro d'Italia 2011-05-12 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-05-24 2011-05-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20110515092927/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/feillu-would-have-preferred-to-continue-giro-ditalia live For most of them, the decision was based on a desire to attend Weylandt's funeral, which took place nine days after his death. Members of the Giro squad served as pallbearers. Other teammates, as well as Farrar, members of Weylandt's former team QST 2010, and Giro director Angelo Zomegnan were all in attendance, along with hundreds of cycling fans assembled outside the chapel.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cycling-world-pay-their-respects-at-weylandts-funeral Cycling world pay their respects at Weylandt's funeral 2011-05-18 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-05-24 2013-05-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20130508110428/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cycling-world-pay-their-respects-at-weylandts-funeral live Tour de France Leopard Trek came to the Tour de France with, per season-long expectations, a squad centered around overall victory. The leader was probably Andy Schleck, entering as runner-up in the past two Tours de France and three-times running winner of the young rider classification, an award for which he was no longer eligible. Brother Fränk said his goal was to have Andy win the Tour, with Fränk himself also there on the podium with him. The remaining squad members were Cancellara, Gerdemann, Monfort, Fuglsang, Voigt, O'Grady, and Posthuma. Every rider on the squad had ridden the Tour de France before, and all but Monfort, Fuglsang, and Posthuma had previously worn the yellow jersey. Pre-race analysis speculated Cancellara could aim for a few days in the race lead before the course shifted to the high mountains.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-announce-tour-de-france-roster Leopard Trek announce Tour de France roster 2011-06-29 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-16 2012-03-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120329083848/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-announce-tour-de-france-roster live right|thumb|Maxime Monfort leads Andy Schleck during stage 18, prior to the latter's eventual solo victory.|alt=A pair of road racing cyclists in the team's black, white, and blue jersey, riding around a traffic island that features a large green sculpture of a bicycle. Spectators and motor vehicles are visible behind roadside barricades in the background. Cancellara showed himself in the finale of the Tour's first stage, which featured a mostly flat course culminating in a short uphill finish. He attacked for victory inside the final kilometer, but OLO 2011's Philippe Gilbert quickly closed the gap, effectively neutralizing the move. Cancellara then sat up (abandoned any further attempts to win), and finished 18th. Both Schleck brothers managed to stay at the front of the race ahead of two major crashes toward the end, which led to riders such as Samuel Sánchez and Alberto Contador losing a minute and 20 seconds.Richard Moore http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-1/results Gilbert conquers Mont des Alouettes 2011-07-02 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-17 2016-11-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20161108200244/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-1/results/ live The next day's team time trial presented an opportunity for the squad. With four-time and reigning world time trial champion Cancellara leading them, they rode to fourth place on the day, within fractions of a second of BMC 2011 and SKY 2011 and four seconds the lesser of the day's winners GRM 2011. While the team missed out on taking the yellow jersey, the ride did install Gerdemann, Fränk Schleck, and Cancellara into fifth through seventh place overall, with Andy Schleck in tenth and Fuglsang in 11th tied on the same time, giving the team several options going forward.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-2/results Garmin-Cervelo wins team time trial 2011-07-03 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-17 2017-01-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20170109172349/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-2/results/ live Two days later, Fränk Schleck was the team's best man on the Mûr-de-Bretagne, finishing in the leading group with stage winner Cadel Evans. Brother Andy, along with Fuglsang, was in the chase group eight seconds back. Cancellara finished with the second-to-last group a little over four minutes down on the winner, ruling him out of any possibility of wearing the yellow jersey in this Tour.Peter Cossins http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-4/results Evans takes photo finish over Contador 2011-07-05 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-17 2012-04-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20120428124722/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-4/results live The next several stages favored sprinters and a solo breakaway winner. The overall standings did not change until stage 9, when a breakaway group involving Thomas Voeckler gained sufficient time that the veteran Frenchman became the new race leader. The Schleck brothers were two and a half minutes down in the classification at this point, but within a few seconds of the nearest true overall favorite Evans. Fuglsang as well remained in the top ten, 30 seconds the lesser of Andy Schleck and just over three minutes off the race lead.Peter Cossins http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-9/results Luis León Sánchez wins crash-hit stage 2011-07-10 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-17 2017-01-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20170109172537/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-9/results/ live Fränk Schleck took time out of the bulk of the field in stage 12. With 2.5 km on remaining in the stage-concluding climb to Luz Ardiden, the elder Schleck brother broke free of the group of the race's top riders in pursuit of two down the road. He did not quite reach them, finishing ten seconds back on the day, but the ride moved him up to second place overall, 28 seconds ahead of his brother and 17 the better of Evans.Susan Westemeyer http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-12/results Sanchez prevails on Luz-Ardiden 2011-07-14 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-17 2012-04-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20120428124717/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-12/results live The brothers both missed an important move in stage 16, ending on the descent from the second-category Col de Manse. Contador, Sánchez, and Evans rode the most aggressive descent, a tactic which gained them a solid measure of time. Evans took 21 seconds out of Fränk Schleck to re-assume second place overall; the younger Schleck brother lost a full minute and six seconds to the veteran Australian.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-16/results Hushovd smashes breakaway for second stage win 2011-07-19 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-17 2017-01-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20170110075602/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-16/results/ live thumb|left|alt=A road racing cyclist in a yellow skinsuit, wearing an aerodynamic helmet. His bicycle is not visible. Spectators watch from the roadside.|Team captain Andy Schleck wore the yellow jersey for one day in the Tour de France, but his performance in the stage 20 individual time trial while wearing that jersey was insufficient to win him the Tour overall. The team set about taking time back in the high mountain stage 18, ending with an hors catégorie arrival at the Col du Galibier. Monfort and Posthuma both made the morning breakaway, providing support for Andy Schleck after he attacked out of the group of overall favorites on the ascent of the Col d'Izoard. Schleck bridged first to Posthuma and then to Monfort, the latter guiding him down the 17 km on long descent of the Izoard, as Schleck is a superlative climber but a poor descender. After catching and surpassing all other remaining members from the morning breakaway, Monfort then rode an extremely lengthy and strenuous pull ahead of Schleck until 17 km on remained in the stage, when he finally bonked and dropped back. This left Andy free to climb the Galibier solo, taking the stage win alone two minutes ahead of the next rider, which happened to be brother Fränk. He rode clear of the group of the race's top riders in the final kilometer, gaining eight seconds against Evans. While the team's tactics on the day appeared to cinch the yellow jersey for Andy, prior race leader Voeckler retained the yellow jersey by a margin of 15 seconds.Susan Westemeyer http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-18/results Schleck's mountain raid nets stage win 2011-07-21 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-17 2016-11-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20161108195814/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-18/results/ live The status quo among the Schlecks and Evans held on stage 19, though with Voeckler finally falling from the top of the overall classification that gave Andy Schleck the yellow jersey ahead of the stage 20 individual time trial.Peter Cossins http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-19/results Rolland wins on the Alpe d'Huez at end of epic stage 2011-07-22 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-17 2016-11-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20161117004435/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-19/results/ live Stage 19, ending at Alpe d'Huez, had favored Schleck ahead of Evans, and he was characterized as missing an important opportunity to pad his lead ahead of the time trial, where Evans' skills are superior.Greg Bishop https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/23/sports/2011-tour-de-france-andy-schleck-grabs-overall-lead.html?pagewanted=all After 19 Stages, Tour Comes Down to Dash in Individual Time Trial 2011-07-22 The New York Times 2011-11-01 Though Evans was the stronger of the two against the clock, Schleck had surpassed expectations in the long time trial at the 2010 Tour de France, leading to speculation as to whether his 57-second cushion over the Australian could be sufficient for him to win the Tour.Juliet Macur https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/23/sports/cycling/tour-de-france-showdown-favors-evanss-style-over-andy-schlecks-time.html Andy Schleck Has Time on His Side, but Showdown Favors Evans's Style 2011-07-22 The New York Times 2011-11-01 2020-05-18 https://web.archive.org/web/20200518072916/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/23/sports/cycling/tour-de-france-showdown-favors-evanss-style-over-andy-schlecks-time.html live Evans rode one of the best time trials of his career, finishing in second place seven seconds off the pace of Tony Martin, the rider who was crowned world time trial champion later that year. Andy said of his and his brother's rides that they were probably the best time trials likewise of their respective careers, but they were no match for Evans' performance. The Australian was two and a half minutes better than both of them, taking the overall lead by a minute and a half with Andy slipping to second and Fränk to third. Since the Tour's final stage is traditionally mostly ceremonial save for a final sprint finish, the time trial effectively cemented the final overall standings.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-20/results Evans conquers all with picture perfect time trial 2011-07-23 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-17 2017-01-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20170110075617/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-20/results/ live Andy took the positive from the result, saying he and his brother were both proud of each other for their efforts and were excited to stand on the podium together in Paris, even if neither of them was on the top step.Rosso http://andyschleckofficial.com/article/schleck-brothers-podium-paris Schleck Brothers on the Podium in Paris 2011-07-23 Andy Schleck Official Zeloo 2012-04-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20110818113939/http://andyschleckofficial.com/article/schleck-brothers-podium-paris 2011-08-18 usurped Vuelta a España Leopard Trek's squad for the Vuelta a España consisted of Bennati, Cancellara, Fuglsang, Monfort, O'Grady, Viganò, Wagner, Zaugg, and Rohregger. Bennati was speculated to be a contender for the Vuelta's sprint stages, while for Cancellara the race represented an opportunity to hone his form ahead of the world championships. No rider on the squad was highlighted as an overall contender.Andrew Hood http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/08/news/big-names-top-vuelta-a-espana-provisional-start-list_187987 Big names top Vuelta a España provisional start list 2011-08-12 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 2012-04-19 2011-09-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20110907235203/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/08/news/big-names-top-vuelta-a-espana-provisional-start-list_187987 live The squad was one of the first to start the stage 1 team time trial. Viganò crashed at one point and finished almost three minutes behind his teammates, but the squad still managed to put up the day's winning time, finishing with the necessary five riders together four seconds the better of defending Vuelta champion Vincenzo Nibali's LIQ 2011 squad. Fuglsang was the rider who crossed the line first, making him the first wearer of the race leader's red jersey. He said after the stage that the team had not pre-determined who would cross the line first, as is customarily the case in advance of a team time trial. It had simply been Fuglsang's turn to ride on the front when the finish line came.VeloNews.com http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/08/news/leopard-trek-wins-opener-to-2011-vuelta-a-espana_188703 Leopard-Trek wins opener to 2011 Vuelta a España 2011-08-20 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 2012-04-19 2011-09-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20110909064247/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/08/news/leopard-trek-wins-opener-to-2011-vuelta-a-espana_188703 live He said would try to ride for the overall classification, with Bennati and Cancellara to hunt for stage wins in the sprints and individual time trial, respectively.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-1/results Leopard Trek claims team time trial 2011-08-20 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2011-09-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20110919075256/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-1/results live Bennati contested the sprint finish the next day, taking sixth behind Christopher Sutton. Since Fuglsang also finished at the front of the race, combined stage finishes meant that Bennati would take the red jersey for stage 3.Peter Cossins http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-2/results Sutton speeds to victory in Spain 2011-08-21 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-08-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20120820071416/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-2/results live Solo stage winner Pablo Lastras claimed the jersey the next day, but Fuglsang and Monfort continued to be well-placed in the overall standings.Peter Cossins http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-3/results Lastras solos to Vuelta stage win 2011-08-22 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111103151926/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-3/results 2011-11-03 Neither dropped below 11th place overall heading into the stage 10 individual time trial, where the squad had three riders finish in the top ten. Cancellara's fourth-place ride was perhaps a disappointment, in that he finished a minute and 27 seconds slower than the stage winner Tony Martin, the rider seen as his chief rival for the world championships time trial.Martin indeed did go on to win the world time trial championship, beating Cancellara by a minute and 20 seconds that day. Fuglsang took sixth on the day and Monfort tenth, putting Fuglsang 12 seconds off the race lead in second place overall and Monfort sixth 59 seconds back.Daniel Benson http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-10/results Martin smashes Vuelta time trial 2011-08-29 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2011-09-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20110919022804/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-10/results live Both of them lost time in stage 11, finishing in a group 27 seconds back of the group containing most of the race's top riders, but both remained in the top ten overall.Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-11/results Moncoutie prevails on Estación de Montaña Manzaneda 2011-08-31 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2011-11-03 https://web.archive.org/web/20111103152841/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-11/results live Both again fell down the standings in stage 14 on La Farrapona, a day when out of the first 50 riders no more than four finished together.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-14/results Taaramae tackles La Farrapona 2011-09-03 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2011-09-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20110924033810/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-14/results live Their overall positions reversed the next day on the storied Alto del Angliru. Monfort finished with a group that lost time to only six riders, while Fuglsang was a further minute and eight seconds down the road from his teammate. This left Monfort fifth overall and Fuglsang seventh, after Fuglsang had been the higher-placed of the two for the entire race to that point.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-15/results Cobo climbs into Vuelta lead on Angliru 2011-09-04 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-05-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20120516001358/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-15/results live The next major mountain was Peña Cabarga in stage 17. Both riders were well off the pace, with Monfort finishing 19th and Fuglsang 31st. Monfort still held sixth overall with the result, but Fuglsang fell out of the top ten, down to 12th place.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-17/results Froome outduels Cobo on Peña Cabarga 2011-09-07 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120908010743/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-17/results 2012-09-08 Fuglsang improved a place to 11th after stage 19, when Wouter Poels, who had been ahead of him, finished six minutes behind the main field.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-19/results Anton wins stage on home turf as Vuelta returns to Basque country 2011-09-09 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-05-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20120515153221/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-19/results live Those were their final overall positions, with both Monfort's sixth place and Fuglsang's 11th representing the best such finishes for either of them in a Grand Tour.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-21/results Sagan steals final stage from pure sprinters 2011-09-11 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130102215145/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-21/results 2013-01-02 The day before the race ended, Bennati gave the team a second stage win, coming home first in a large sprint finish in stage 20 at Vitoria.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-20/results Bennati victorious in Vitoria 2011-09-10 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120910091958/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-20/results 2012-09-10 Away from competition Merger with Team RadioShack right|thumb|Team ownership sought out Johan Bruyneel to become the team's new manager for 2012, believing his experience at the helm of nine Tour de France winning teams would be crucial to their ongoing success.|alt=A smiling man in his forties wearing a black polo shirt with a wide lapel. During the Vuelta a España, reports surfaced that the Leopard Trek team was in talks to bring in sponsorship and management from the American-based RSH 2011. Reports suggested that team owner Flavio Becca was dissatisfied with the team's management and aimed to bring aboard Johan Bruyneel and others from Team RadioShack.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/speculation-surrounds-radioshack-trek-possible-merger Speculation surrounds RadioShack-Trek possible merger 2011-08-30 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-01-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20120105045837/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/speculation-surrounds-radioshack-trek-possible-merger live While team officials for Leopard Trek initially denied the rumor,Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-denies-merger-with-radioshack-for-2012 Leopard Trek denies merger with RadioShack for 2012 2011-08-29 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-05-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20120508112046/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-denies-merger-with-radioshack-for-2012 live and Bruyneel refused to address them altogether,Andrew Hood http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/09/news/riders-worried-about-possible-leopard-shack-fusion_190849 Riders worried about possible 'Leopard-Shack' fusion 2011-09-02 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-06-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120629083402/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/09/news/riders-worried-about-possible-leopard-shack-fusion_190849 live the merger was confirmed by both sides on September 6, with five days remaining in the Vuelta.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-confirms-merger-with-radioshack Leopard Trek confirms merger with RadioShack 2011-09-06 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-05-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20120511015213/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-confirms-merger-with-radioshack live Becca had sought out Bruyneel because of his history of successes in the Tour de France, guiding Lance Armstrong to seven championships there and Alberto Contador to two. Bruyneel later commented that he looked forward to trying to add Andy Schleck's name to his list of Tour success stories.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/bruyneel-looks-to-win-the-tour-de-france-with-andy-schleck Bruyneel looks to win the Tour de France with Andy Schleck 2011-09-17 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-04-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20120417021505/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/bruyneel-looks-to-win-the-tour-de-france-with-andy-schleck live Bruyneel's arrival effectively ousted Brian Nygaard, who immediately left his position as the team's general manager; it is unclear who, if anyone, succeeded him for the remainder of 2011. Becca offered him a lesser position within the team, but Nygaard refused it, saying it was as good as being fired.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nygaard-says-sponsor-search-was-not-his-responsibility Nygaard says sponsor search was not his responsibility 2011-09-08 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-04-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20120429104207/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nygaard-says-sponsor-search-was-not-his-responsibility live Upon announcing Nygaard's departure, Becca also revealed that his company would hold the fused team's license and that it would continue to be based out of Luxembourg, essentially confirming the 2012 entity as an extension of this franchise while Team RadioShack would be considered defunct.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/becca-confirms-nygaards-departure-from-leopard-trek Becca confirms Nygaard's departure from Leopard Trek 2011-09-07 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2011-09-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20110924024308/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/becca-confirms-nygaards-departure-from-leopard-trek live What followed was a period of uncertainty regarding exactly who would and would not be a part of the merged team. Leopard Trek had 27 riders under contract for 2012 and Team RadioShack had 13 – UCI rules impose a hard limit of 30 riders on top-level teams, meaning at least ten riders with valid contracts would be released from them. Leopard Trek riders were not told about the merger ahead of time and were unsure of their status at a time when riders everywhere looked to conclusively determine their places of employment for the upcoming season.Andrew Hood http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/09/news/monfort-on-leopard-trek-the-atmosphere-is-a-bit-heavy_191543 Monfort on Leopard-Trek: 'The atmosphere is a bit heavy' 2011-09-09 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 2012-04-19 2016-03-03 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205904/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/09/news/monfort-on-leopard-trek-the-atmosphere-is-a-bit-heavy_191543 live The situation was further complicated by two rider transfers made in August, when Ben Hermans and Grégory Rast signed with Leopard Trek away from Team RadioShack,Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-signs-hermans-to-its-2012-roster Leopard Trek signs Hermans to its 2012 roster 2011-08-12 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-04-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20120417214205/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/leopard-trek-signs-hermans-to-its-2012-roster livehttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rast-to-ride-for-leopard-trek-in-2012 Rast to ride for Leopard Trek in 2012 23 August 2011 21 April 2012 Stephen Farrand Cycling News 18 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120418190637/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rast-to-ride-for-leopard-trek-in-2012 live meaning they had effectively re-joined the team they had only just left. The new team also signed four riders who had not been a member of either side in 2011. This resulted in 12 riders departing for other teams, with 13 incoming from Team RadioShack's 2011 formation (that number including Hermans and Rast) and 12 riders being retained from Leopard Trek's 2011 formation. The fused team announced its new name as RadioShack-Nissan-Trek, though UCI rules limit registry to two title sponsors, meaning their name in the official UCI record is RadioShack-Nissan.http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/12/news/radioshack-nissan-trek-announces-lineup-for-2012_199256 RadioShack-Nissan-Trek announces lineup for 2012 5 December 2011 21 April 2012 VeloNews 8 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120108033603/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/12/news/radioshack-nissan-trek-announces-lineup-for-2012_199256 live Reactions to the merger were widespread. Amid descriptions of the team as a "super-team" from at least one analystBonnie D. Ford https://www.espn.com/olympics/cycling/story/_/id/6933632/radioshack-leopard-trek-cycling-teams-merge-2012 RadioShack, Leopard teams to merge 2011-09-05 ESPN 2012-04-19 2012-04-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20120424195611/http://espn.go.com/olympics/cycling/story/_/id/6933632/radioshack-leopard-trek-cycling-teams-merge-2012 live were SAX 2012a manager Bjarne Riis' claims that he simply looked forward to defeating them.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/riis-looks-forward-to-beating-new-radioshack-leopard-team Riis looks forward to beating new RadioShack/Leopard team 2011-09-07 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2012-04-19 2012-07-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20120725024701/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/riis-looks-forward-to-beating-new-radioshack-leopard-team liveGilles Le Roch https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cycling-riis-idUSTRE79816P20111009 Riis not fazed by RadioShack/Leopard merger 2011-10-09 Reuters Thomson Reuters 2012-04-19 2016-03-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20160310204728/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cycling-riis-idUSTRE79816P20111009 live Cervélo co-founder and former CTT manager Gerard Vroomen saw the merger on a strictly business level, with neither side having sufficient resources to field a team at the level they would like, while cooperatively they would. Trek had been bike supplier for both teams in 2011, and funneling money they would normally spend on two teams into one, coupled with an expected reduction in support from the electronics company RadioShack, would make it all the simpler for them to back a top-level team.Gerard Vroomen http://gerard.cc/2011/08/31/radio-pard/ Radio-pard 2011-08-31 Gerard.cc WordPress.com 2012-04-19 2011-09-18 https://web.archive.org/web/20110918141250/http://gerard.cc/2011/08/31/radio-pard/ live The merger also drew criticism, as the two sides' initial press releases describing it did not make it seem that they were in agreement over their perception of the merger and the newly combined entity. The fact that neither ridership nor lower-level management nor ousted sponsors seemed to know about the move at all ahead of time also drew criticism.Joe Lindsey http://bicycling.com/blogs/boulderreport/2011/09/07/tensions-at-leoshack/ Tensions at LeoShack 2011-09-07 Bicycling.com Rodale, Inc. 2012-04-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20130730131838/http://bicycling.com/blogs/boulderreport/2011/09/07/tensions-at-leoshack/ 2013-07-30 dead Rider breakdown With 58 riders – excluding Wouter Weylandt, after his death at the Giro d'Italia – competing for LEO 2011 yes and RSH 2011 yes during the 2011 season, a battle for places on the squad ensued. As UCI regulations stipulated that a squad could not have more than 30 riders for the season,http://www.uci.ch/includes/asp/getTarget.asp?type=FILE&id=34028 2012 UCI Cycling Regulations 1 February 2012 21 April 2012 UCI.ch Union Cycliste Internationale 103 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110623174023/http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTkzNg&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=34028&LangId=1 23 June 2011 many riders were left without a guaranteed place in the merged RNT 2012 team for the 2012 season. Thirteen riders remained within the Leopard SA-licensed setup for 2012; the two-year contracts of Daniele Bennati and Jakob Fuglsang,http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6440/Jakob-Fuglsang-dreaming-of-Tour-de-France-leadership.aspx Jakob Fuglsang dreaming of Tour de France leadership Jered Gruber 21 November 2010 21 April 2012 VeloNation 3 December 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101203065546/http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6440/Jakob-Fuglsang-dreaming-of-Tour-de-France-leadership.aspx live as well as the three-year contracts of Fabian Cancellara and Maxime Monfort,https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/8171035/Fabian-Cancellara-signs-three-year-contract-with-newly-formed-Luxembourg-Pro-Cycling-Project.html Fabian Cancellara signs three-year contract with newly formed Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project The Daily Telegraph 30 November 2010 21 April 2012 6 July 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130706021118/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/8171035/Fabian-Cancellara-signs-three-year-contract-with-newly-formed-Luxembourg-Pro-Cycling-Project.html livehttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6136/Maxime-Monfort-confirms-with-Team-Schleck.aspx Maxime Monfort confirms with Team Schleck Jered Gruber VeloNation 25 October 2010 21 April 2012 26 December 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101226195433/http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6136/Maxime-Monfort-confirms-with-Team-Schleck.aspx live and the four-year contracts for Andy Schleck and Fränk Schleck,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/andy-schleck-hopes-contador-can-prove-innocence Andy Schleck hopes Contador can prove innocence Barry Ryan Cycling News 6 November 2010 21 April 2012 8 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110908050053/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/andy-schleck-hopes-contador-can-prove-innocence live were all honoured.http://www.uciworldtour.com/Modules/SUCI/TEAMS/TeamDetails.asp?id=NDA3Mg&RefDate=04.01.2012&MenuId=MTYzMDE&LangId=1&BackLink=%2Ftemplates%2FUCI%2FUCI2%2Flayout%2Easp%3FMenuId%3DMTYzMDE%26LangId%3D1 RadioShack-Nissan (RNT) – LUX 21 April 2012 UCI World Tour Union Cycliste InternationaleAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot Joost Posthuma, Jens Voigt,http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/9750/Jens-Voigts-birthday-race-derailed-by-broken-finger.aspx Jens Voigt's birthday race derailed by broken finger VeloNation 12 September 2011 21 April 2012 As for Voigt, it remains to be seen if he will be able to compete again this season. However his fans will get to support him again next season, as he signed an additional one-year contract in recent days. 2 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120402181829/http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/9750/Jens-Voigts-birthday-race-derailed-by-broken-finger.aspx live and Oliver Zaugg, who had all joined the team on one-year contracts in 2011, extended their deals to remain with the team into 2012. Linus Gerdemann also remained with the team, despite having been linked with KAT 2012,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/monfort-and-gerdemann-look-likely-to-remain-with-leopard-radioshack Monfort and Gerdemann look likely to remain with Leopard/RadioShack Cycling News 22 September 2011 21 April 2012 7 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120507031925/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/monfort-and-gerdemann-look-likely-to-remain-with-leopard-radioshack live while Thomas Rohregger signed a new two-year deal with the team.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rohregger-to-radioshack-nissan-in-2012 Rohregger to RadioShack-Nissan in 2012 Cycling News 11 November 2011 21 April 2012 24 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120324175719/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rohregger-to-radioshack-nissan-in-2012 live Also remaining with the team were Giacomo Nizzolo and Robert Wagner. Riders in A total of seventeen riders joined the Leopard SA setup for 2012, of which thirteen riders had been part of Team RadioShack in 2011. These riders included American national champion Matthew Busche,http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/11/news/busche-staying-with-radioshack-leopard-trek-merger_197309 Andrew Hood Busche staying with RadioShack-Leopard-Trek merger 7 November 2011 21 April 2012 VeloNews 26 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120426055539/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/11/news/busche-staying-with-radioshack-leopard-trek-merger_197309 live Tour of California winner Chris Horner,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/chris-horner-confirms-he-will-be-staying-with-radioshack-nissan-trek-in-2012 Chris Horner confirms he will be staying with RadioShack-Nissan-Trek in 2012 8 October 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 2 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120302164510/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/chris-horner-confirms-he-will-be-staying-with-radioshack-nissan-trek-in-2012 live Vuelta an Andalucía victor Markel Irizar, and Andreas Klöden, who won the Tour of the Basque Country in 2011. Also joining from Team RadioShack were stagiaire George Bennett – signing his first professional contract – as well as Ben Hermans, Ben King, and Portuguese duo Tiago Machado,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/machado-to-ride-with-radioshack-nissan-trek Machado to ride with Radioshack-Nissan-Trek 30 September 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 24 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120324191718/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/machado-to-ride-with-radioshack-nissan-trek live and Nelson Oliveira. Yaroslav Popovych and Grégory Rast both signed with the team to bolster their efforts in the Classic races,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/popovych-to-help-cancellara-at-flanders-and-roubaix Popovych to help Cancellara at Flanders and Roubaix 21 November 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 7 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120507024024/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/popovych-to-help-cancellara-at-flanders-and-roubaix live while Jesse Sergent and Haimar Zubeldia followed the lead of some of their team-mates to join the newly formed team. The four remaining places on the roster were taken by riders who had not been involved with the merging of the two teams, and joined RadioShack-Nissan-Trek from rival squads; Jan Bakelants joined from the OLO 2011 team, Laurent Didier from SAX 2011,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/laurent-didier-to-ride-for-radioshack-nissan-trek-in-2012 Laurent Didier to ride for Radioshack-Nissan-Trek in 2012 16 September 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 2 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120102083001/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/laurent-didier-to-ride-for-radioshack-nissan-trek-in-2012 live Tony Gallopin left COF 2011 to join the team,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gallopin-looks-ahead-to-cancellara-classics-apprenticeship Gallopin looks ahead to Cancellara classics apprenticeship 5 November 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 6 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120306182023/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gallopin-looks-ahead-to-cancellara-classics-apprenticeship live while Hayden Roulston joined from THR 2011,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/roulston-confirms-with-radioshack-for-2012 Roulston confirms with Radioshack for 2012 28 October 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 16 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120416061740/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/roulston-confirms-with-radioshack-for-2012 live which also ceased to exist at the end of the season. Riders out Aside from Weylandt, thirteen members of Leopard Trek in 2011 did not continue with the merged team in 2012. Will Clarke joined Champion System 2012 as the squad made their début as a UCI Professional Continental Team in 2012.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10186/Will-Clarke-leaves-Leopard-Trek-for-Champion-System.aspx Xylon van Eyck 22 October 2011 21 April 2012 VeloNation Will Clarke leaves Leopard Trek for Champion System 17 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120817091955/http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10186/Will-Clarke-leaves-Leopard-Trek-for-Champion-System.aspx live Stefan Denifl and Martin Mortensen both joined VCD 2012,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/denifl-and-mortensen-to-vacansoleil Denifl and Mortensen to Vacansoleil 14 October 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 10 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120410193120/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/denifl-and-mortensen-to-vacansoleil live while Anders Lund and Bruno Pires joined SAX 2012a.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lund-returning-to-saxo-bank Lund returning to Saxo Bank 17 October 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 8 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120508051601/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lund-returning-to-saxo-bank livehttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/pires-from-leopard-trek-to-saxo-bank-sungard Pires from Leopard Trek to SaxoBank Sungard 14 October 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 7 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120407123959/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/pires-from-leopard-trek-to-saxo-bank-sungard live Other riders to join UCI ProTeams were Stuart O'Grady, who joined the new-for-2012 GEC 2012a team,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/greenedge-confirms-ogrady-recruitment GreenEDGE confirms O'Grady recruitment 8 October 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News Jane Aubrey 5 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120305174901/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/greenedge-confirms-ogrady-recruitment live Davide Viganò left for the LAM 2012 team,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vigano-joins-lampre-isd-for-2012 Viganò joins Lampre-ISD for 2012 31 October 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 25 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325101138/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vigano-joins-lampre-isd-for-2012 live Fabian Wegmann joined GRM 2012a,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wegmann-to-garmin-cervelo Wegmann to Garmin-Cervelo 25 October 2011 21 April 2012 Susan Westemeyer Cycling News 31 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120331112812/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wegmann-to-garmin-cervelo live and late-season stagiaire Rüdiger Selig joined KAT 2012 yes for the 2012 season.http://www.uciworldtour.com/Modules/SUCI/TEAMS/TeamDetails.asp?id=OTU&RefDate=03.01.2012&MenuId=MTYzMDE&LangId=1&BackLink=%2Ftemplates%2FUCI%2FUCI2%2Flayout%2Easp%3FMenuId%3DMTYzMDE%26LangId%3D1 Katusha Team (KAT) – RUS 21 April 2012 UCI World Tour Union Cycliste Internationale 2 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140102194110/http://www.uciworldtour.com/Modules/SUCI/TEAMS/TeamDetails.asp?id=OTU&RefDate=03.01.2012&MenuId=MTYzMDE&LangId=1&BackLink=%2Ftemplates%2FUCI%2FUCI2%2Flayout.asp%3FMenuId%3DMTYzMDE&LangId=1 live Elsewhere, Dominic Klemme and Tom Stamsnijder joined SUN 2012a,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/klemme-joins-project-1t4i Klemme joins Project 1t4i 21 October 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 29 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120129125451/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/klemme-joins-project-1t4i livehttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/stamsnijder-signs-for-project-1t4i Stamsnijder signs for Project 1t4i 24 October 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 28 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120128121824/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/stamsnijder-signs-for-project-1t4i live later SUN 2012b yes; Brice Feillu found a place on the roster of the SAU 2012 team,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/feillu-finds-saviour-in-saur-sojasun Feillu finds saviour in Saur Sojasun 23 October 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 11 January 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180111225833/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/feillu-finds-saviour-in-saur-sojasun/ live while Martin Pedersen signed with domestic Continental team CWO 2012.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/pedersen-signs-with-christina-watches-onfone Pedersen signs with Christina Watches Onfone 23 December 2011 21 April 2012 Cycling News 8 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120508051616/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/pedersen-signs-with-christina-watches-onfone live Season victories Date Race Competition Rider Country Location February 20 Tour of Oman, Teams classification UCI Asia Tour The riders on the squad were Fabian Cancellara, Daniele Bennati, Jakob Fuglsang, Maxime Monfort, Stuart O'Grady, Joost Posthuma, Davide Viganò, and Wouter Weylandt March 2 Le Samyn UCI Europe TourDominic Klemme GER Belgium Dour March 15 Tirreno–Adriatico, Stage 7 UCI World TourFabian Cancellara SUI Italy San Benedetto del Tronto March 26 E3 Prijs Vlaanderen – Harelbeke UCI Europe TourFabian Cancellara SUI Belgium Harelbeke March 26 Critérium International, Stage 1 UCI Europe TourFränk Schleck LUX France Col de l'Ospedale March 27 Critérium International, Overall UCI Europe TourFränk Schleck LUX France April 5 Circuit de la Sarthe, Stage 1 UCI Europe TourDaniele Bennati ITA France Saint-Mars-la-Jaille April 6 Circuit de la Sarthe, Stage 3 UCI Europe TourDaniele Bennati ITA France Angers April 8 Circuit de la Sarthe, Stage 5 UCI Europe TourDaniele Bennati ITA France Bonnétable April 8 Circuit de la Sarthe, Points classification UCI Europe TourDaniele Bennati ITA France May 29 Bayern-Rundfahrt, Stage 5 UCI Europe TourGiacomo Nizzolo ITA Germany Moosburg June 1 Tour de Luxembourg, Prologue UCI Europe TourFabian Cancellara SUI Luxembourg City June 3 Tour de Luxembourg, Stage 2 UCI Europe TourLinus Gerdemann GER Differdange June 5 Tour de Luxembourg, Overall UCI Europe TourLinus Gerdemann GER June 11 Tour de Suisse, Stage 1 UCI World TourFabian Cancellara SUI Switzerland Lugano June 19 Tour de Suisse, Stage 9 UCI World TourFabian Cancellara SUI Switzerland Schaffhausen June 19 Tour de Suisse, Mountains classification UCI World TourAndy Schleck LUX Switzerland June 19 Tour de Suisse, Teams classification UCI World Tour The riders on the squad were Fränk Schleck, Fabian Cancellara, Jakob Fuglsang, Linus Gerdemann, Maxime Monfort, Stuart O'Grady, Andy Schleck, and Jens Voigt Switzerland July 10 Tour of Austria, Stage 8 UCI Europe TourDaniele Bennati ITA Vienna July 21 Tour de France, Stage 18 UCI World TourAndy Schleck LUX France Galibier–Serre Chevalier July 25 Tour de Wallonie, Stage 3 UCI Europe TourDaniele Bennati ITA Belgium Perwez August 5 Tour of Denmark, Stage 3 UCI Europe TourJakob Fuglsang DEN Vejle August 20 Vuelta a España, Stage 1 UCI World Tour Team time trialThe riders on the squad were Daniele Bennati, Fabian Cancellara, Jakob Fuglsang, Maxime Monfort, Stuart O'Grady, Davide Viganò, Robert Wagner, Oliver Zaugg, and Thomas Rohregger Spain Benidorm September 10 Vuelta a España, Stage 20 UCI World TourDaniele Bennati ITA Spain Vitoria October 4 Binche–Tournai–Binche UCI Europe TourRüdiger Selig GERRiding as a stagiaire (trainee) Belgium Binche October 15 Giro di Lombardia UCI World TourOliver Zaugg SUI Italy Lecco Footnotes N References 30em Category:2011 road cycling season by team Category:Lidl–Trek (men's team) Category:2011 in Luxembourgian sport