[itri]

Just watching Tour of California and they anounced that team Astana is not invited this year. I realize that Astana left in shame last year, but this is a whole new team and it seems rediculous that last years winner and 3rd place are not in the race. I think Levi could have had a real chance to win. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

 

[TriBob]

Yep, we covered this <a href="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21869" target="_blank">http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21869</a>

 

[itri]

Go away for a few days and you miss all the excitement. Bummer.

 

[RunningForT3]

Yes, the subject has been covered and settled <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[bcc594]

Slowtwitch has quite the thread about this topic. It's pretty interesting/scary. Odd time to be a cycling fan, I must say.<br><br>
Remember, Astana didn't just leave last year's Tour in shame, they had the majority of their team pull out the year before (as Astana), AND the year before that (as Liberty Seguros). The team as a whole doesn't deserve an invitation, no matter who's riding for them.

 

[itri]

<br>
I guess, but it seems somewhat gray to me. How is team High Road (formerly tmobile) allowed into Paris-Nice by the ASO? Because they changed their name? If they are allowed into the tour that doesnt make sense. Both Astana and High Road are whole new rosters/dir etc. I guess Astana should have gotten a new sponser and changed their name.<br><br>
Overall I agree that they should error on the side of being aggressive, just seems that this is as much political as anything.