ASTANA CYCLING TEAM

Overview:




Country: Luxembourg

Team Website: www.astana.lu

2008 Roster: 30 Riders

Bikes Used: Trek



Astana Cycling Team:


The 2008 Astana Cycling Team was in its first year under the leadership of Johan Bruyneel, the eight-time winning Sports Director of the Tour de France. Sponsored by a conglomerate of companies hailing from Astana, the capital of cycling enthused Kazakhstan, the Team is a member of the highest level of competition in cycling, the UCI ProTour.

Team Astana has started the 2008 campaign in winning fashion with stage and overall wins at the Amgen Tour of California, both courtesy of Levi Leipheimer, who successfully defended his 2007 title in his home state. Combined most recently with stage wins from Tomas Vaitkus at the Volta ao Algarve, and fan favorite Jose Luis “Chechu” Rubiera at the Vuelta Ciclista a Murcia, the new 2008 squad has already established itself as a force in professional cycling. Though Team Astana is making its debut at the Tour de Georgia, fans will notice some familiar faces who have found success in the Peachtree State. 2007 Tour de Georgia Champion and Best Young Rider Jani Brajkovic returns to defend his title with USA Road Race Champion Levi Leipheimer, winner of last year’s time trial and prestigious Brasstown Bald stage. Also look for Chechu Rubiera, who wore the Tour de Georgia King of the Mountains jersey in 2005.

Teams led by Johan Bruyneel have won three of the five Tours de Georgia, with the first victory coming from seven-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong. Bruyneel looks forward to introducing his new Team and is hopeful that Team Astana will continue its winning ways in the 2008 edition.


2008 Highlights:


Overall winner and Stage 5 winner of the Amgen Tour of California, Stage wins in the Volta ao Algarve ans the Vuelta Ciclista a Murcia


2008 Tour de Georgia Roster:


  • Christopher Horner
  • Levi Leipheimer
  • Antonio Colom Mas
  • Roman Kireyev
  • Michael Schar
  • Aaron Kemps
  • Andrey Mizurov
  • José Luis RUBIERA VIGIL


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