Worlds the goal for Vinokourov as he returns to Spain with Astana
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Alexander Vinokourov back on the podium after a two-year absence.(Image credit: Isabelle Duchesne)
Despite only just returning to the sport Alexandre Vinokourov believes he could win a stage at the Vuelta.(Image credit: Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl)
Alexandre Vinokourov isn't sure he'll be able to stay competitive for three weeks after two years out of the sport.(Image credit: Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl)
Kazakh Alexandre Vinokourov was light-hearted during his first major press conference since returning from suspension.(Image credit: Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl)
Kazakh Kazakh Alexandre Vinokourov was light-hearted during his first major press conference since returning from suspension. believes winning the Vuelta will be impossible for him.(Image credit: Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl)
Kazakh Alexandre Vinokourov says will fight for a stage win in the Vuelta a España, August 29 to September 20. He has ruled out victory in the overall classification, citing a lack of fitness after a return from his two-year doping suspension.
"I have to be realistic, I think that aiming for the overall victory is impossible," he told De Telegraaf.
Vinokourov completed last month a suspension for blood doping at the 2007 Tour de France. He won the time trial of the Tour de l'Ain and the Asian Championships this month.
"I did not expect those wins, but the Vuelta's level will a lot higher," he said. "I don't know if I can hold that same level for three weeks. For that reason I am pointing towards a stage win in a time trial or in the mountains."
Vinokourov won three stages and the overall classification of the Vuelta a España in 2006. He won one other stage, to Ciudad Rodrigo, in 2000.
He will try to win the World Championships time trial and road race this year, he said. The respective championships are will be held on September 24 and 27 in Mendrisio, Switzerland. The road course will be one of the hardest since 2003 in Hamilton, Canada.
The Vuelta is Vinokourov's first race back with team Astana, the team he helped form in 2006. Team Manager Johan Bruyneel initially had problems with Vinokourov joining the team at the conclusion of his suspension. Bruyneel will not be present at the Vuelta, with Sean Yates and Alexandr Shefer to act as Astana's directors for the race.
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Vinokourov raced the Tour de l'Ain and Asian championships as part of the Kazakh national team.
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