Vinokourov: Astana will fold if we don't race again in 2020

Astana team manager Alexandre Vinokourbv
Astana team manager Alexandre Vinokourov with his riders (Image credit: Getty Images)

After UCI President David Lappartient warned of teams disappearing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Astana manager Alexandre Vinokourov has said he thinks his team will fold if they can't race again this year. 

The Kazakh squad have already had to impose salary cuts on their riders and staff, with the likes of Jakob Fuglsang and Miguel Angel Lopez losing 30 per cent of their pay until racing resumes. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling. Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell, the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English. The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999, and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling. Since then, major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features, news, results, photos and tech reporting. The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling.