We had a heads up on this earlier before the news broke and it's obviously old now, but we wanted to plug our two cents. In our humble and NOT so expert opinion I view this as being interesting on many levels in particular the team that was chosen. Where does an Armstrong fit into a team that sports the likes of Alberto Contador?
"Alberto Contador, who recently captured all three Grand Tour titles (Tour de France – 2007, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España – 2008), is optimistic that Armstrong’s presence on the Team will be positive. “When you look at professional sports, it’s very common to have two or even three champions on one team. Right now people are looking to make up controversy, but honestly I have no ill-will towards Lance. I identify with his passion for the sport. He has certainly been a role model for me and others throughout the world and I imagine having him on Team Astana will only motivate me further. Of course, my objectives for the 2009 season are clear. With Lance and the Team Directors we will soon have to talk about it.”
Renewed charges of doping over the years on tour will certainly resurface......but that wouldn't be a first for Team Astana. Back in 2007 Alexandre Vinokourov tested positive for blood doping after a time-trial stage win on the Tour de France.
No doubt this is only the beginning and a story worth following.
