Andy Schleck

Luxembourgish professional cyclist who won the 2010 Tour de France and was known as one of the best climbers of his generation in Grand Tours.

Born in Luxembourg City on June 1, 1985, into cycling's most prominent Luxembourgish family, Andy Schleck followed his father Johny, a former professional cyclist, into the sport. He turned professional in 2005 with Team CSC alongside his older brother Frank, quickly establishing himself as one of cycling's most promising young talents. His natural climbing ability and aggressive racing style became apparent during his early professional years. Schleck's career reached its zenith between 2008 and 2011, when he emerged as one of the world's premier Grand Tour contenders. He finished second in the Tour de France in both 2009 and 2010, demonstrating remarkable consistency at cycling's highest level. His 2010 campaign was particularly notable for his dramatic mountain stage victories and fierce rivalry with Alberto Contador. The duo's battle in the Alps and Pyrenees, including Schleck's memorable solo victory on the Galibier, represented some of the most compelling racing of the modern era. In February 2012, Schleck was officially awarded the 2010 Tour de France title following Contador's disqualification for a doping violation. This made him Luxembourg's first Tour de France winner since Nicolas Frantz in 1928. Beyond his Tour success, Schleck claimed stage victories in all three Grand Tours and won the young rider classification in the 2008 Tour de France. His attacking style on mountain stages, characterized by sudden accelerations and sustained efforts at high altitude, made him one of the most exciting climbers of his generation. Schleck's significance extends beyond his individual achievements to his role in elevating Luxembourg's cycling profile internationally. His rivalry with Contador, combined with his partnership with brother Frank, created compelling narratives that captured global attention. Despite retiring relatively young in 2014 due to recurring injuries, his aggressive mountain racing and Tour de France victory secured his place among cycling's notable champions of the early 21st century.

Schleck was renowned as an exceptional climber with a smooth, fluid pedaling style particularly suited to long mountain ascents. His lightweight frame and natural climbing ability made him devastating on steep gradients, though he was notably weaker in time trials which often cost him in Grand Tour competitions.

Schleck remains Luxembourg's most successful cyclist and one of the last pure climbers to win a Grand Tour in the modern era.

• Tour de France 2010
• Tour de France Young Rider Classification 2010
• Tour de France Young Rider Classification 2008
• Tour de France Young Rider Classification 2009
• Liège–Bastogne–Liège 2009
• Tour de Romandie 2010
• Tour de Suisse 2010
• Critérium du Dauphiné Stage Win 2011
• UCI ProTour Young Rider Classification 2008