Contador and Leipheimer happy to see Red

After yesterday's announcement that the Astana team will use SRAM's new ultra-lightweight Red component group, Astana riders Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer have both expressed their happiness with the new gear.

Contador, whose ability in the mountains was instrumental in his 2007 Tour de France victory, is especially happy about the low weight of the new kit. "The lightest gruppo in the world will only benefit a rider like myself," he said. "It has already improved my climbing."

Contador also likes one particular feature of the Red shifters. "I love the reach adjust, I can customize it for my hands," he added.

Leipheimer doesn't think there's any disadvantage to using the top-line parts from the new kids on the road components block. "There is no sacrifice with SRAM, unless you consider shedding nearly half a pound of weight from my componentry a sacrifice."

With the reigning Tour de France champion and 2007 third-placed rider on its equipment, SRAM is clearly aiming for big things next July. There is still, however, no official word about whose bikes Astana's SRAM components will be hung on.