Astana makes further plans

Team Astana has started planning its race schedule for when the Kazakh-backed squad returns from a self-imposed one-month racing break. The team will ride the Grand Prix of Plouay on September 2. "It is still to early to give the list of the riders," the team noted. "It is obvious that all of them in the team are thirsty for kilometers and efforts after one month of suspension."

In addition, the team said that its management is taking steps to ensure a rapid implementation of an external anti-doping program. "Astana Cycling Team's management continues its concrete steps with Swiss Olympic in order to quickly set up a system of independent and external anti-doping controls for the team, with consequence ensuring a clean and irreproachable sport discipline," concluded the squad.