Andy Schleck has had a hard time of it lately – some would say it’s a hard time of his own making, but we’re not going to go into that now. It’s his birthday so, just for one day, let’s give the guy a break. Here is a little Schleckfest of films and I, for one, really hope that he gets himself sorted so he can add some fizz and pop on the climbing stages of this year’s Tour.

Stage 18 Tour de France 2011: A legendary ride

This is the whole of Andy’s incredible ride last year in Stage 18 – the break, the bridge to his teammates in front, his solo ride up the Galibier, Cadel Evans‘s chase, Eddy Merckx rising like a phoenix from the commissaire car’s sunroof … no matter what you think of Andy, this was the most magnificent stage in years and he was the one that made it so.

Andy as cub reporter

This is really an excuse to get in a film with both Jens Voigt and Fabian Cancellara (who shows off his multi-lingual skills). Andy interviews his teammates as they are on their way to Paris last year.

Andy’s prep for Tour 2011

Dutch TV made this hour-long programme on Andy’s prep around the time of Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2011. (It’s a mix of languages but he speaks English throughout.)

So happy birthday, Andy. Let’s hope you get your mojo back before the peloton hits the mountains next month.