Sorry for the ignorance but, could someone tell me without any BS why Astana is not in this years tour.....

Thank you
Chris

Got out from under that rock have you?

Sorry for the ignorance but, could someone tell me without any BS why Astana is not in this years tour.....

Thank you
Chris

They were banned during last year's tour for doping.

They were banned during last year's tour for doping.

...and the organisers did not want that associating with this years tour.

this years tour is actually being run under the french cycling federation not the uci because astana were excluded (being a pro tour team they are entitled to ride) and dont forget astana puling out of the 2006 tour because of operation puerto ( they didnt have enough riders left to field a team ) thats why the tour organisers said they wanted to see them ride this year without incident before letting the back in hence no contador (unfortunately imo) but he new what nest of vipers he was getting into before signing obviously it was still worth his while at the end of the day the tour organisers didnt want to be embarrassed by the team again understandably

Sorry for the ignorance but, could someone tell me without any BS why Astana is not in this years tour.....

Thank you
Chris

yes (http://www.google.com).

Got out from under that rock have you?

:lol::lol::lol:

Sorry for the ignorance but, could someone tell me without any BS why Astana is not in this years tour.....

Thank you
Chris

Some of their riders were involved in doping scandals in 2007. Of course, so were MANY other pro teams and riders. Le Tour leadership decided to apply their "policy" selectively to Astana while letting the other teams slide.

I have no problem with le Tour allowing or not allowing ANY TEAM FOR ANY REASON. However, when they apply their "rules" on an inconsistent basis ..... well, I'm calling BS. Shame on le Tour! :notamused:

... Brad