tour de france in tailspin

Today brings the unfortunate news that the Aumury Sport Organization has banned Astana from all of their 2008 events, including the Tour de France.

So there will be no defending champion, as many of Discovery Channel Cycling’s top riders moved to Astana during their off-season reorganization. Alberto Contador won’t be there (1st in 2007). Andres Klöden won’t be there, either (multiple podium finishes since 2004). My friend Levi Leipheimer won’t be there (3rd in 2007).

The race won’t be completely devoid of talent, but it won’t be a true test of champions.

This follows an earlier announcement that Astana isn’t invited to the Giro d’Italia, the season’s other top-level stage race.

ASO has stated that Astana “must prove itself” in 2008 to be considered for future entries. Regardless, no matter now well Astana races in the Tour of California or any of the early season, single-stage races, they won’t be given the chance to compete and prove themselves. So ASO has set them up to fail from the outset.

I completely understand the desire to clean up professional cycling. I also understand that, in 2006 and 2007, Astana was one of the most egregious offenders in the doping scandals, and that ASO has every right to be wary.

But in the off-season, Astana cleaned house. All of their staff were fired. Many riders were either fired or left on their own accord. Johann Bruyneel, mastermind of US Post Service/Discovery Channel was brought on board to right the ship, and all indications are that he’s been successful in that mission.

But thanks to ASO, the opportunity won’t present itself – at least without a fight. I hope they appeal this to whatever legal body they can.

And in the meantime, I hope they race to win every day, just to show up the ASO’s short-sighted decision.