Future of Armstrong team is secured; CYCLING.THE immediate future of Lance Armstrong's Team Astana has been secured after riders and staff were reassured over their ability to complete the season. The Kazakhstan-based outfit have been beset by financial problems of late and missed a payment to the International Cycling Union, reported to be for pounds 5m, for their racing licence. However, following talks between team manager Johan Bruyneel Johan Bruyneel (born August 23 1964, Izegem, Belgium) is a directeur sportif and former road bicycle racer in professional cycling. Retiring from racing in 1998, he became director of Team Discovery (formerly U.S. , the Kazakh Cycling Federation (KCF KCF Korean Christian Fellowship KCF Korean Christian Federation KCF Koinonia Christian Fellowship (Ontario, Canada) KCF Kinross Correctional Facility (Michigan Department of Corrections) ), Government and managing company Olympus SARL SARL South African Radio League SARL Société Anonyme à Responsabilité Limitée (French: limited liability company) SARL Salem Animal Rescue League (Salem, NH) SARL Sociedade Anónima de Responsabilidade Limitada , a mutual agreement was reached which allayed fears Astana could go under this season. Ace Lance Armstrong KCF have met all debt obligations to Olympus, and Bruyneel claimed the recent financial troubles were over. "I appreciate everyone's patience and professionalism during this difficult time and support of the program," he said. "With only 16 days left to the Tour de France, the riders need rest in their minds. We are glad that we can continue with our strong team. It was hardly imaginable that our strong team would not have been able to participate in the world's largest cycling event. "Thanks to the guarantees made by the Kazakh government, we can continue with the same group that already proved in the past to be a real team." He added: "We look forward to the next races. This is the best solution." |
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