Astana Cycling Team

Hi All!
I will tell you today about one more member of the team.
Have you recognized who is going on to the individual race?

Of course, this is Yuri Kulishkin.
There was already an article about him on our site.

Юрий Кулишкин — боец невидимого фронта Астаны!

That was interesting and detailed interview, so it is not easy to add something new.
I can tell with confidence that Yuri is the real friend. Read the rest of this entry →

The Czech rider Roman Kreuziger, 24 years old, has signed a contract with Team Astana for 2011 and 2012 seasons.

He turned professional in 2006 with Liquigas, he won the 2008 Tour of Switzerland, the Tour of Romandie 2009 and the Giro of Sardinia 2010, and finished 9th in the last Tour de France.

Kazakh headers are glad with this newcomer for the next two seasons and the Kazakh captain on the roads Alexander Vinokourov says "I am pleased that the team has reached an agreement with Roman Kreuziger, we are currently finalizing contracts to submit very soon a new roster for next season that represent with power and pride the colors of Kazakhstan ".

There are more and more our fans on the roads of France every year.
Here are just a few of them I caught on my camera.

Many of them don’t need to be introduced on our site, names of many I even don’t know.

Read the rest of this entry →

Banquet was in honour of winners.

All team members and guests gathered in the appointed place in the evening of July 25.
I received personal invitation.
Invitee photographer was presented at ceremonial part of banquet, he photographed a dozen of official pictures.
I was the only photographer who photographed the rest of pictures, so that was very special and exclusive report for Astana fans.
It was pompous hall of a restaurant with bicentennial history, in three minutes walking from Musée du Louvre.

Read the rest of this entry →

Peloton finished finally, everybody congratulated Astana on victory.
Podium appeared on avenue des Champs-Élysées in a few minutes.
It started…
Cavendish as the stage’s winner was rewarded the first. He flew on the podium like a shot as it should be for the fastest one.

He didn’t cry on that day.

Read the rest of this entry →

Almost two weeks after the end of the Tour de France, Alberto Contador can make an initial analysis of the race and, especially, start thinking about the future because of his recent agreement with Bjarne Riis, that guarantees stability for the next two seasons. "I'm very excited", says the rider, "I think it was the best choice, because I come to a team with a definite philosophy, a good way to work and give me the tranquility that I have not had in recent years. I am happy and eager to begin this project".

What did said Riis to you, what convinced you to join his team?

Several things, but no doubt the seriousness it requires and its philosophy of work have been primary reasons. That will allow me to be more relaxed, as well as his great experience, always ahead of teams with the best riders and very powerful, allowing you to face all objectives.

What are your goals for the next two seasons?

It is still early to know the calendar, but I have in mind to do two big tours next year. I do not know exactly which, but I have to start changing a little bit the training system and perhaps start the year more relaxed.
Read the rest of this entry →

“Sitting on the wheel of our bus” I successfully passed all barriers though my car shouldn’t be allowed to go. This way I entered Paris following the route of racing. I saw la tour Eiffel for the first time in my life.

I drove under the arch of the last kilometer.
Read the rest of this entry →

ASTANA CYCLING TEAM
POSITION AND PERSPECTIVES

After the completion of San Sebastian Classic cycling race on Saturday, on July 30, The Union Cycliste International (UCI) announced regular rating of top division of Pro Tour. Kazakh Cycling Team “Astana” that has risen on the first place after Tour de France is confidently leading in rating outscoring the Danish Team Saxobank and Russian Team Katyusha. In the International Individual rating Kazakhstan bicycle racer Alexander Vinokurov has risen from 10th to 6th places, and Kazakhstan in UCI Nations rating took the 7th position appearing among leading world bicycle nations.

The season of transfers began in world bicycle sport on August 1. Alberto Contador, who won four grand-tours in colors of « Astana » team, announced the decision to change the team. Management team of « Astana », Bicycle Sport Federation of Republic of Kazakhstan and General sponsor of the project SWF « Samruk-Kazyna » regret about the decision of the great bicycle racer to leave « Astana », they thank and appreciate Alberto Contador – the great bicycle racer - for his contribution in development of the team. With Contador our team took the leading positions in world ratings and received the unique experience of leadership in International Bicycle Sport. The current agreement with Alberto Contador will be terminated in December, 2010, and he is free to make any decision regarding his future. We are very glad for Alberto Contador and wish him success and new victories.

“Astana” Cycling Team has great ongoing plans to remain part of the season 2010 and on the next season. Races of the team are in the excellent form and show unique team cooperation, which was worked out in smallest details during the last Tour de France.
Management of the team now finishes the negotiations with a number of perspective bicycle racers and, in accordance with best traditions of “Astana” team, plans to continue winning the great bicycle races, including Tour de France.

Astana Cycling Team
Communication Department