Bruyneel cleared for departure from Astana

Johan Bruyneel has reportedly secured a termination of his contract with the Kazakh cycling federation and Astana team, clearing the way for him to join Lance Armstrong's RadioShack team in 2010, L'Equipe reported Wednesday.

The Belgian had one more year on his contract, but fought to leave the outfit after difficulties in obtaining payments from the Kazakhs during the season.

Yvon Sanquer was named as the replacement for the man who led teams to eight Tour de France victories. Sanquer was previously a director at the Festina team from 1999-2001 and the team Mutuelle de Seine et Marne in the mid-90s.