Vino on the classics comeback trail?

by Albertina on Nov 13, 2008 7:48 AM EST

According to CN, Alexander Vinokourov is hoping to ride the Amstel Gold Race and Liege-Bastogne-Liege with Astana next season. Their source appears to be the Dutch media. He is apparently negotiating with the UCI to be allowed to start, but they are understandably none to pleased by his little plan. The Kazakh Minister for Sport knows what he wants however, and seems none too bothered about McQuaid's grumbles: "I assume that Vinokourov will ride next season. Naturally he will be in the Astana team." Would you want to mess with this man? Do JB and friends at Astana have published views on this?!

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L-B-L is ASO, no way he gets to ride

Carlos Sastre - Tour de France winner - Born From Jets

by Jens on Nov 13, 2008 7:53 AM EST reply actions

Yeah true.

Hoping against hope would more accurately describe his situation on this one I feel.

by Albertina on Nov 13, 2008 7:58 AM EST up reply actions

Just realised it says this later on...

“In any case, whether Vinokourov returns to racing in Spring or Summer 2009, he will be doing so with Astana”

Is this a done deal? I was unaware if so…. McQuaid’s insisting on a two year ban at any rate.

by Albertina on Nov 13, 2008 7:56 AM EST reply actions

McQ and the UCI

should have appealed Vino’s suspension and brought his case before CAS last spring. These idiots knew long ago that Vino was going to return, and only now are they addressing the situation. Once again, the UCI has demonstrated their complete incompetence.

I know most of you have already seen this article, so you know where I stand on Vino’s return, his original “sanctioning,” and my feelings about Astana the sponsor.

All that aside, Vino has served his suspension and should be allowed to ruturn. The organizers will see to it that he doesn’t race in anything of importance.

by The Team Chef on Nov 13, 2008 8:58 AM EST reply actions

In some ways I want Vino to be back in the spring

he is targeting the Giro as his big race next year, oh guess who else is. I would love to see how that works out, and the drama around it, poor little Johan.

"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt

by Phil H. on Nov 13, 2008 12:44 PM EST reply actions

Old guys rule!

CQRanking.com, you complete me.

by Chris Fontecchio on Nov 13, 2008 1:10 PM EST up reply actions

I thought I'd posted

this before I went to the pub
Bruyneel on Vino
"I never had any contact with him since I am the head of the team, and Astana bosses have not made any reference on the subject. I just saw that the UCI would not let him resume after a year of suspension, so for me the matter is closed."

Last question of interview @
http://www.dhnet.be/sports/cyclisme/article/231495/johan-bruyneel-a-livre-ouvert.html

by lucybears on Nov 13, 2008 7:10 PM EST reply actions