Team Astana is not racing, but it is still riding. It announced today that it will hold a training camp to keep its riders in shape while the team sits out for the month of August.
The camp will be held August 11 - 24 at the Vallée de Conches in the Haut Valais, Switzerland. 19 riders will participate, including Andreas Klöden, Andrey Kashechkin, Paolo Savoldelli, Maxim Iglinksy, Gregory Rast, Steve Morabito, Thomas Frei and Michael Schär.
The team's four directeurs sportifs, headed by Mario Kummer, will lead the camp, which will feature training for a team time trial. In addition, the riders will take advantage of the near-by Grimsel, Furka and Nufenen passes to polish their climbing skills. There will also be various medical and physiological tests performed, and the team's "new directives" will be presented.
One sponsor has decided to stay with the team. Auto manufacturer Skoda has confirmed its partnership with Astana, not joining those who are opting out, such as Craft (see article further down).
