Klöden "disappointed" by Tour exclusion

Team Astana's Andreas Klöden expressed his disappointment that his team was not invited to any of the ASO's events, including the Tour de France. Writing on his personal website, the German said, "Of course I am disappointed not to be able to start in the Tour de France, and it is hard for me to understand the ASO management's reasoning."

The 32 year-old, who finished second in the Tour in 2004 and third in 2006 , noted that the team's new management "did everything possible in the last few weeks to restore the team's credibility. [...] I understand that the Tour wants to do all it can to prevent another catastrophe like in the previous year. But I find it really too bad that the current team, which has nothing in common with last year's team, must now pay for it."

He was determined, however, to look positively toward the upcoming season. "There are certainly a lot of other good races for which it is worthwhile to go to the start in good condition. My team and I are working hard to keep on fighting and, despite everything, to work for a clean future in cycling. No matter what."