Giro to welcome Astana?

RdBiker

http://www.velonews.com/article/737...ountaintop-duel

"Rumors are flying in Spain that Giro d’Italia organizers are reconsidering their decision and might welcome Astana to the season’s first major stage race. Vuelta a España officials reiterated Wednesday that Astana will be welcome, but warned that any hint of scandal could see the team lose its spot. "


Just picked this paragraph from the Velonews race report from Vuelta a Castilla y León. Is this old news, just a rumor or some new turn I've completely missed? So what are your thoughts on this? Anyone (cyclingheroes) have any real info?

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micron

So the Giro organisers are going to welcome an Astana team with question marks over Contador (OP) and Kloeden (dodgy vits) whilst the Vuelta, who have offered an invitation, are basically telling them not to let the Kloeden situation get out of hand or the invitation will be withdrawn?

Sorry, I think this 'rumour flying around in Spain' is more wishful thinking. And Contador's roid rage antics don't do him any favours.

Powerful Pete

Sounds like a rumour and that's it. But then again, in these days, I take all of these rumours somewhat seriously. Never say never in the world of professional cycling anymore...

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Bro Deal

The race will be better without Astana. As it stands there are several riders who could win. Simoni still has a shot at winning. Ricco will be there to challenge. et cetera.

If Astana is there then Contadope will walk away with it. It will be about as exciting as the 2006 Giro.

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"You are like the wind and I like the lion. You form the tempest. The sand stings my eyes and the ground is parched. I roar in defiance but you do not hear. But between us there is a difference. I, like the lion, must remain in my place. While you like the wind will never know yours." -- Mulay Hamid El Raisuli, Lord of the Riff, Sultan to the Berbers, Last of the Barbary Pirates

Crankyfeet

Maybe they should handicap the races... like they do with horse racing. The better riders have to carry weights on their bike... depending on their chances/palmares... . That would make it interesting.

A close race is a bonus for us spectators... but obviously it shouldn't be the aim. That would be like saying that it would be boring watching Eddie Merckx ride today b/c he invariably wins. It is slightly hypocritical of RCS to chastise teams that don't send their best riders to their event... then to not invite the strongest rider in the world atm by not inviting his team... on the basis that Astana are probably doping.

But I don't want to start/open up this argument again. It is just going to be an interesting asterisk on premiere events like the TdF when beside the winner there is a footnote saying that arguably the strongest GT rider in the world wasn't allowed to compete that year because he wasn't invited.

fscyclist

Well, now that you opened it. I don't think it's at all fair either. They should invite the best teams. There's not a clean team out there, so why make a distinction. This year's racing (Paris-Nice) is already a farce. Although, MSR was pretty cool.

I guess the benefit is you can see Cadel attack this year since he has no real competition. I think I might head out for a ride and challenge the kids on their dirt bikes so I feel like Cadel.

Powerful Pete

Let us see what happens in the Tour. With this year's results continuing to yield surprises, it just might be entertaining and we just might be surprised by who shows up being competitive...

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fscyclist

Or maybe just as it seems clear who the winner will be they'll pull him from the race....just to keep us guessing. You can only get that kind of suspense and drama in pro cycling.

thecyclist

Contador isn't really the strongest. Basso, Ullrich, Rasmussen and Landis could beat him. Also Evans might have won last year if it wasn't for Rasmussen working with Contador.

Bro Deal

I think that's quite possible. A surprise winner for one of the GTs could very well happen.

__________________
"You are like the wind and I like the lion. You form the tempest. The sand stings my eyes and the ground is parched. I roar in defiance but you do not hear. But between us there is a difference. I, like the lion, must remain in my place. While you like the wind will never know yours." -- Mulay Hamid El Raisuli, Lord of the Riff, Sultan to the Berbers, Last of the Barbary Pirates

fscyclist

Basso, Ras, and Landis..yes. Ullrich no - He would've been dropped like a rock on those climbs and couldn't make up the time in the TT. However, it sure would've been nice to see.

poulidor

As you said teams are doping, so to have more or less doped teams don't give a real sport value to the race. That is just entertainement. Finally with less doped teams, the Paris-Nice show was smarter and more exciting.

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fscyclist

Is the ProTour true sport or entertainment? I'd argue it's the latter.

thecyclist

I doubt it. Contador only beat Evans by 23 seconds. Ullrich was in another league.