Astana Cycling Team

photo - www.astana.lu

photo - www.astana.lu

Today, we saw a strong work from riders of Astana Team.
Czech Roman Kreuziger finished in 4th position while Alexandre
Vinkourov suffered of a mechanical problem.
Here are the statements of Laurenzo Lapage, Roman Kreuziger,
Alexandre Vinokourov, Enrico Gasparatto and Remy Di Gregorio.

Laurenzo Lapage: "The team did a wonderful job today. That's a pity
that Vino had a mechanical problem, we can say if could have played
for victory or not but he staid in front all long while Kessaikoff and
then Gasparotto were in the breakway. And when he is in this position
it means he could have gone for a first place. We saw also a strong
work from Remy Di Gregorio and Roman Kreuziger. Roman finishes in 4th
position which is a good sign before the Giro. Today we can be proud
of the team!"

Roman Kreuziger (4): "Unfortunatly, Vino had a mechanical problem, but the
team was perfect. I am relly staisfied with my condition, my legs are
really better than during Giro del Trentino, I kept the pace in the
finish and I did a good ranking, so I'm happy, this is a good sign
before the Giro. The team demonstrated that we are really strong and
that we can achieve beautiful resutls in the coming weeks. The next
race for Vino and me will be Tour de Romandie. Alexandre is in good
shape actually and he could make good resukts there. For me it will be
a last preparation before the Giro."

Alexandre Vinokourov (32): "I was feeling good today but I had a mechanical
problem at the worst moment. I broke a spoke of my back wheel. It's a
pity cause the race was played exactly on that moment. Then it was too
late to catch up the group with Schleck brothers and Philippe Gilbert.
Then Roman Kreuziger worked in front, to conclude in the best way the
great work done by Astana team today. His 4th place is a beautiful
reward and announces some good weeks to come for our team. It will
start with the Giro where Roman will play an important role. Philippe
Gilbert's victory touches me a lot because we are really close
together. He deserve so much this ew success which makes him as one of
the biggest riders in the history of our sport."

Enrico Gasparotto (44): "I am satisfied, I did my job. During the meeting
this morning, this is what was planned and I think I did it well. I
had said I would be focused a 100 % on this week and I think I
demonstrated it. Kreuziger rode very well, he is ready for the Giro."

Remy Di Gregorio (48): "I was in all the actions, Gasparotto worked well in
the break. That's a pity that Vino had a trouble with his wheel. I
tried to help him to catch up. We rode very well during all the day."

Pro Team Astana
Communication Department
Blandine Roquelet