The injury Fränk Schleck sustained in a crash in the first stage of Ruta del Sol on February 18 has left the Luxembourger struggling to return to full form ahead of Paris-Nice.

The Trek Factory Racing directors allowed time for Schleck to recover from the deep muscular hematoma in his quadriceps, hoping that he would be able to rebound in time for the March 8 start. 

Today the team’s final decision was unfortunate news: Schleck would be unable to attain a level necessary for the WorldTour event.

“I am recovering, but it has not gone as fast as I had hoped," he said. "It’s still painful, especially walking; on the bike it actually feels better. So I am able to train a couple hours on the road now, but obviously this is not enough to be ready for a race like Paris-Nice.

“I am obviously very disappointed; when I crashed, even though it was super painful, I always thought I would be at the next race. It has been a frustrating injury and a slow healing process, but it is still early season and I will be back. I should be fine for GP Nobili (March 19).”

Trek Factory Racing’s lineup for Paris-Nice: 

Bob Jungels, Riccardo Zoidl, Giacomo Nizzolo, Gert Steegmans, Kristof Vandewalle, Gregory Rast, Eugenio Alafaci, and Marco Coledon.