Vinokourov not harbouring grudges after Contador’s decision to leave
Astana’s Alexandre Vinokourov is wasting little time in filling the gap left by the departing Alberto Contador, saying that he is interested in negotiating some of the biggest names in the sport to replace the Spaniard.
“We are thinking of [Denis] Menchov, of [Roman] Kreuziger and, why not, the Schleck brothers,” Vinokourov told the French Sud Ouest publication.
The latter pairing is a surprise, given that the two Luxembourg riders are heavily tipped to be heading to a new team based in that country. However, there’s little firm news about the project, and there are whispers that if it doesn’t materialise, that they could be snapped up by RadioShack.
That’s if Vinokourov and the team management don’t get there first. “The last news is that nothing is signed,” he said, declaring his interest.
If the Schlecks are not available, or willing, then Menchov is the next logical choice. He finished third in this year’s Tour, performing better than ever before, and also has one Giro d’Italia and two Vueltas to his credit. He’s 32 years of age but Vinokourov will hope that he can fight for the yellow jersey for another year or two, possibly even becoming the first ever Russian victor.
Of the four riders mentioned, Kreuziger is the one with the least experience. However performances such as victory in the 2008 Tour de Suisse and the 2009 Tour de Romandie, as well as twice placing ninth overall in the Tour de France, mark the 24 year old as a big talent and one which Vinokourov would be keen to develop.
As for the former Vuelta a España champion himself, he has indicated that he will race for one more year as a professional. He won Liège-Bastogne-Liège and a stage of the Tour de France this year, and is clearly motivated after the cessation of his ban from the sport.
He’s also remarkably balanced about the departure of Contador from the team. The Astana riders said that when they were toasting his Tour victory the evening after the final time trial in the race, Contador indicated that he hoped he could stay with the team. However a couple of days later, he indicated that he wanted to leave.
Vinokourov might be excused for feeling a little raw about things, but instead he is able too look at both sides.
“I would have preferred that Alberto stayed, but he does what he wants and those who leave with him as well. It’s professional cycling,” he said. “With Alberto in the team, we won two Tours de France, two Tours of Italy [sic – actually, one Tour of Italy and one Vuelta], and that’s a good record. If he had a better proposition, it’s normal that he would go.”