Although Andy was clearly the star of the show, as ecstatic spectators chanted : "Andy, Andy, Andy", they also came to see his brother, Frank, and a handful of other cycling personalities at Luxembourg’s 14th Tour de France gala.

Andy Schleck came second in the 2010 Tour de France after a gruelling three-week battle. The winner was Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador.

At Thursday’s gala the cyclists, including Luarent Didier and Ben Gastauer, set out on a 1.7 km tour around the gare district of Luxembourg city before signing autographs in Avenue de la Liberté.

Andy was clearly blown away by the warm reception of fans brandishing "Thank you Andy" placards. He told News352 : "Only in Luxembourg could you find this kind of welcome."