Astana Cycling Team

Vinokourov with Contador at the Criterium International

“It’s important to run with Contador”

Alexandre Vinokourov will participate in the Criterium International Saturday alongside Alberto Contador for the first time this season in competition, at the head of Team Astana.

A race that takes place in three stages, with a road race, a race of mountain and another against the clock.

"It's important to run together with Alberto, says Kazakh rider, it can create landmarks and reflexes between us. We must give him the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Tour de France in the best conditions. For this reason the team must show that we are ready to reach its goals with him. We are all working in this direction. "

The Kazakh leader is recovering from his hurt in Tirreno-Adriatico.

"Since the Tirreno-Adriatico race I didn’t run for any but I trained very hardly at home, around Monaco. I suffer a little from my elbow since my crash in Tirreno but my feelings on the bike are good. The Critérium International is a special race but its very interesting for runners specialists of big cycling tours like Alberto and me. It will also give us an overview of the shape of our opponents before the Ardennes classics. For my part, I am very motivated to show that I am gradually returning to my level. "