This situation disgusts me. The sponsor cannot behave in such a fashion just because it's golden boys were caught. They must pay the riders what they are owed. It's the same team, license etc that Johan has taken over and there's already debate whether they should keep their license over events in 2007. That'll be decided by the license body or whatever.
I'm actually surprised that the UCI haven't stepped in already. They suspended Team Coast for not paying the riders either but I suppose with it being the break, that there isn't much point just yet. Astana needs to get their act together quickly though. If they keep their license then they'll be lining up at the TDU in mid-January or 51 days according to their website (TDU's). That might seem ages away but it isn't
I'd party in the streets if Astana were to not get an invitation for the Tour
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"I love him, I think he's great. He's transformed the sport in so many ways. Every person in cycling has benefitted from Lance Armstrong, perhaps not financially but in some sense" - Bradley Wiggins on Lance Armstrong
I completely agree with you, tony. Also, I don't see why UCI keeps holding its hand over Astana. So many doping cases in such a short amount of time, the rider wages problem, the too many riders-thing, etc.. I hope they will lose their license. Not that it would mean much since all the big races are non-Pro Tour, but it does have a symbolic value.
It's being rumoured that Lance Armstrong will go into politics. Personally, I think he would fit perfectly in along with the other cheating and lying "bastards"
And guess what -- Michael Rasmussen is not nominated in the "Danish cyclist of the year"-award
I read Lance was 'making out' with Ashley Olsen a few weeks ago too and that they were dating until a few days ago.
On the Astana front again I agree with you CrueTrue, I too hope Astana lose their license, if only to back the UCI's words with actions. Would it be fair on any exisiting Astana riders who remain next season? No. Would it be fair on Janez and others who've joined the team for next season? Not really.
But what isn't fair is that the others on the 2007 team were let down by several teammates this year. What isn't fair is that the UCI or their license body didn't come out after Vino or Kash being caught (depends on which you consider the 3rd strike) and stated that they were enforcing their belated '3 strikes and you're out' policy and thus Astana would lose it's license (this would likely have impacted the decisions of Johan B etc). What isn't fair is that the Kazaks (Astana and the cycling federation) think they can screw over the remaining riders by refusing to pay them what they are owed.
I say it's similar with Deutsche Telekom, Adidas and Audi. It's not exactly the same but they too have punished riders who have done no wrong by withdrawing. Lorenzo Bernucci and Sinkewitz were rightly sacked and their tests were serious blows, the reto-active admissions from former Telekom riders weren't helpful either. However at the start of the year, who would have banked on the team doing so well with it's young riders and others? I certainly didn't.
Edited by tonymcf on 30-11-2007 20:10
and that they were dating until a few days ago.
