Astana suspends itself, BMC terminates sponsorship

Astana's Marc Biver

Astana's Marc Biver (Image credit: AFP)

Team Astana has suspended itself for the month of August in order "to think about the future," on the same day bike sponsor BMC announced its withdrawal with immediate effect. In a terse statement released Tuesday evening, the team said: "Following the last events, Astana Cycling Team decided to suspend its activities during the month of August. This time will allow the whole team - management, staff and riders - to think about its future."