Kazakhstan's state sovereign fund pledged $22 million in financial backing to the Astana cycling team Friday, ensuring the squad stays alive and Tour de France champion Alberto Contador remains in its ranks. Astana's current racing license is due to expire at the end of next year, but recurring delays in paying salaries to riders have prompted the International Cycling Union to demand guarantees on the team's financial viability by this week. "Samruk-Kazyna (state holding) has provided UCI with a guarantee of financial backing worth euro15 million ($22 million) for this season," Kazakh Cycling Federation deputy president Nikolai Proskurin said. About $3.7 million has been ... Read Full Story

Tour de France winner Alberto Contador of Spain has reached a preliminary deal to stay with the Astana team until the end of 2010. He had spoken to rival teams after a successful but troubled year, marred by cash problems and a tense relationship with former team-mate Lance Armstrong. Astana should hear on Friday if they have a ProTour licence for next year. The team are the subject of an investigation after suspect medical material was seized during the Tour. Reports in France claimed that syringes and transfusion equipment believed to belong to teams including Astana were found in medical waste containers during the ... Read Full Story

Lance Armstrong is going to gave to get past Alberto Contador if he hopes to pull off the miracle and win another Tour de France - and as of today, that doesn't seem very likely. Race leader Alberto Contador of Spain and Astana rides towards victory on stage 18 of the 2009 Tour de France, a 40km Time Trial around Lake Annecy, on July 7, 2009 in Annecy, France. (Getty Images) more pics » "Now I am more comfortable going ahead toward the GC," Alberto Contador said after the today's stage of the race. "This stage victory is very important for the overall. I ... Read Full Story

Alberto Contador announced Thursday to the Spanish press that he will honor the last year of his c0ntract with the Astana, the Kazakhstan based cycling team. For the full story, go to http://www.bikeworldnews.com Read Full Story

Tour de France champion Alberto Contador will remain with the Astana team at least until his contract expires at the end of next year, an official with the Kazakh Cycling Federation said Thursday. The Spaniard's future with Astana has been unclear for months amid persistent doubts about the Kazakh team's financial viability. "We have absolutely no problems with Alberto Contador, and he will compete with Astana next season," Kazakh Cycling Federation deputy president Nikolai Proskurin said. The International Cycling Union (UCI) had warned that Astana's financial troubles could endanger its chances of securing a new four-year license, prompting speculation that Contador — the world's ... Read Full Story