The big cleaning in the Kazakh capital seems to have been for nothing. The (cheating) soul of the squad was cut out. Instead of local heroes Vinokourov and Kashechkin, the former Sovjet republic now has to cheer for Bazayev, the young Kupeshov, Kireyev and of course Maxim Iglinskiy.


But not to worry, the team didn’t lose any quality. On the contrary. Johan Bruyneel liked the new challenge and has with Contador, Leipheimer and Klöden three potential Tour winners in his team. Also riders like Vaitkus, Brajkovic and Gusev are no embarrassment for a team. But those of you who remember the jok...