COL DE L’OSPEDALE, France (AP) — Frank Schleck won the opening stage of the two-day Criterium International in Corsica on Saturday by dominating his rivals in the final climb.
The Luxembourg rider was helped to victory by his younger brother and Leopard-Trek teammate Andy Schleck, dropping several riders on the 8.7-mile climb up the Col de L’Ospedale.
Schleck covered the 123 miles from Porto-Vecchio to Col de L’Ospedale in 5 hours, 20 minutes, 52 seconds.
Vasil Kiryienka of Belarus finished 16 seconds back, while Estonia’s Rein Taaramae was third 22 seconds behind. Tour de France runner-up Andy Schleck was 10th.
Sunday’s final day features a flat 46.6-mile stage in the morning, followed by a short time trial in the afternoon.
