Tinkoff "ecstatic" with Vuelta invitation

Team Tinkoff Credit Systems is "ecstatic" to have been invited to participate in the 2008 Vuelta a España, its second Grand Tour of the year. "Tinkoff is a team composed of young riders, who are devoted to their sport, and they still have much to learn; however, the organisers of the Vuelta have deemed us worthy to race the most important race on the Spanish calendar, which is one of the most beautiful and important cycling events in the world," said team General Manager Stefano Feltrin.

It will be the Italian Professional Continental team's first appearance in the Spanish race. "We at Tinkoff are ecstatic to have been selected to participate," Feltrin said. "Despite the youth of the Tinkoff riders, they have illustrated skill and talent beyond their years during the Classics campaign. Following the Classics performance, and what we expect from the team at the Giro d'Italia, the team will be prepared to exhibit the same tenacity at the Vuelta."

The team sees the invitation to a second Grand Tour this season as a big step. "Two years ago, we entered into the sport of cycling as novices really, learning as we went," Feltrin explained. "We chose to be based in Italy, and to be close to Rome and the Federciclismo to illustrate our desire to eventually race in all the major races in cycling. With one pedal stroke, one breakaway, and one victory at a time this objective is coming to fruition. It is our desire that the Tinkoff team be viewed as a team comprised of both young and seasoned riders that hold the utmost value to the collaborative efforts and sacrifices of each other that led to victories and important placings."