Hi lainie.
Astana / Kazakhstan were having severe financial problems in the Spring of 2009, almost lost their ticket. My understanding is that LA’s joining the team brought significant sponsorship / investment $$$ that solved the problem.
Posted by Phil Liggett on 7/9/2010 at 9:47AM
I am sure that Cadel Evans and Andy Schleck are going to feel very pleased with their opening week of the Tour de France. Poised at the start of the first real mountains in third and sixth places, respectively, the highest of the expected contenders for victory in Paris are ready for the first big climbs.
Logically, by the end of this 100-mile skirmish, Evans should be the next wearer of the yellow jersey - something the Australian may not want so early on in the race, but may have little choice in the matter.
The route is a very beautiful one, starting from Tournus in the department of the Saone and Loire, it enjoys a flat ride for the first 30 miles before starting the foothills of the Jura mountains, using six climbs along the way to finish at the day's high spot, the Station des Rousses (1168 meters).
This is an area the race rarely goes and it is the first finish at the Rousses. It is a day for the opportunist, too, as the overall contenders may sit back and wait until Sunday when the Alps are encountered on the road to Morzine.
Lance Armstrong, who won a time trial in this area on his way to Tour victory in 2001, may have to make a move and try to ease his way back up the classification after his bad luck on the cobbles of northern France left him two minutes, 30 seconds behind. But even at 38, the American will be a marked man and an attack will be very difficult.
No sprinter tomorrow for sure, but after two days of winning, Mark Cavendish deserves the congratulations and can reflect on his wins until next Wednesday when the route again gets a little easier.
versus.com