Astana Cycling Team

Five years after his first victory in Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Alexandre Vinokourov has won the double today in Liege arriving alone on the finish line after getting rid of the Russian Kolobnev. Three days after his victory in the Tour of Trentino, the Kazakh leader of Team Astana, is back to the forefront. This is also his first major win since his comeback in August 2009. Alexandre Vinokourov has responded to our questions, just after arrival.

Photo from Astana Team Communication Department

What do you feel after this victory?
An immense happiness. Since my comeback in August 2009, I dreamed of a great victory that would give credit to my decision to return to competition. I always said that if I came back, it was not to make up the numbers. My victory today is the reward for all the sacrifices I made to be again one of the best of the bunch. It is a dream!
What a difference with your victory in 2005?
Everything is different. At the time, I still had many years ahead of me. Since then he a lot of things happened. The suspension of two years, I accepted without denigrating my sport. My return to competition in 2009 was also made to prove who I am. And I'm not a cheater. I knew that my response to this suspension would come on the bike, with my results and nothing else. Therefore, today the victory had an incredible value.
When did you really thought about this victory?
I played with the other of the bunch when Alberto Contador attacked before the final. I almost hidded me a little bit, to let the other favorites take their responsibility. Everything went as we had imagined, with an incredible work of Team Astana for its two leaders. It is also the victory of the Kazakh team. After the final, we had to get rid of Kolobnev, I did not want to risk a sprint double. You never know...
Do you think your current shape will enable you to continue your momentum in the Giro?
I’ve often said that at my age, it was more difficult to target a victory over a long ride. By winning the Tour of Trentino this week just before coming to Liège, I was afraid to be too exhausted. Finally, I had energy remaining and it's a good sign for the Giro. This is the first time in my career that I will participate and I'm going there with ambitions. I can’t forget that even before I came back last August, Angelo Zomegnan the organizer of the Giro immediately assured me that I was welcome on his event. So, I’ll be there in few days with pride. And that victory today opens new perspectives. "