thehog
BANNED
ALMATY, Kazakhstan (AP) — The future of Tour de France champion Alberto Contador's Astana team is again in doubt after cycling's ruling body made new demands for financial guarantees.
Kazakh Cycling Federation deputy president Nikolai Proskurin said Tuesday that the International Cycling Union is demanding a bank guarantee of Astana's annual budget before it will renew its ProTour license.
Proskurin says the demand is unreasonable and that he is unsure whether Astana can meet Wednesday's deadline.
The team's inclusion in competition next season had appeared certain last week, when the oil-rich Kazakhstan government pledged $22 million in financial support for next season
Kazakh Cycling Federation deputy president Nikolai Proskurin said Tuesday that the International Cycling Union is demanding a bank guarantee of Astana's annual budget before it will renew its ProTour license.
Proskurin says the demand is unreasonable and that he is unsure whether Astana can meet Wednesday's deadline.
The team's inclusion in competition next season had appeared certain last week, when the oil-rich Kazakhstan government pledged $22 million in financial support for next season