Or, for those of us not so familiar with the Russian language, Let's go Team Astana!
I did a post last month entitled Discovery is Gone, mourning the end of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team after the most successful run in professional cycling history. Well, as often happens when a great organization unexpectedly closes up shop, several of the riders and staff of Discovery Channel have found a new home together.
Team Astana Pro Cycling is headquartered in Switzerland, but backed by the Kazakhstan government. Team Astana ended the 2007 season in disgrace after having several of it's members convicted of doping, and having the entire team kicked out of the Tour de France after failed drug tests. Despite all this, the Kazak government has committed to continuing it's sponsorship and funding of the team, and has brought in the former Discovery Channel management, Directors, and star riders to clean up the program, image, and restore the race reputation of the team.
The new look Astana will be headed by none other than Johan Bruyneel who brings with him the proven team of Assistant Directors Sean Yates and Viatcheslav Ekimov. The riders making up the Astana roster for 2008 will include 2007 Tour de France Champion Alberto Contador, as well as 2007 Tour de Georgia winner Jani Brajkovic, grand tours specialists Benjamin Noval and Sergio Paulinho and sprinter Tomas Vaitkus. In addition, Levi Leipheimer, third place finisher in this years Tour de France, and overall champion of the 2007 Tour of California will provide a great leadership role for the team.
So, what were once blue's at the loss of Discovery have turned to joy at it's resurrection under new colors and a new flag. Although my heart and cheers will still be with American based Team Slipstream this season, it is great to know that my "old friends" at Discovery have found a home, and will provide many more years of great competition.
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