KZBlog

On the 29th of July, Contador is leaving Team Astana citing problems with equipment. Can’t find the article now, but his agent claims that among other things the TV in the Astana car was broken on the day Schlek broke his chain, meaning Contador didn’t know what was going on. This might have led him to ungraciously pass Schlek, which some are claiming is the only reason Contador won. As of yet, the three time Tour de France champion hasn’t named any teams he is looking at. But with Andy and Frank Schlek leaving Saxo-Bank, it’s possible Contador will end up there in 2011. Meanwhile rumor has it Contador won’t race in the blue and yellow jersey for the rest of 2010 even.

While Team Astana is still hoping to negotiate with Contador, apparently they are weighing other options too. According to Velo Nation, Team Astana is in talks with Menchov. The general secretary of the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation, Valentin Rejert, says he is quite upset with the way he was informed of Contador’s decision and while he would love to keep the Spainard, “…we cannot wait forever.” One piece of good news for Kazakhstan sports fans: Rejet said that the team will emphasize the promotion of young Kazakh cyclists.” meaning sometime in the future we might actually get a Kazakhstan Team Astana champion!

Also, check out Kazakh Nomad’s take on the Tour and a strange quote from well-respected linguist Olzhas Suleimenov who is apparently disappointed that the Kazakh national anthem wasn’t played in Paris.