Upheaval in Kazakhstan creates uncertainty for Astana team

LE GRAND-BORNAND, FRANCE - JULY 17: Alexander Vinokourov of Russia Team manager Astana Pro Team / during the 105th Tour de France 2018 / Stage 10 a 158,5km stage from Annecy to Le Grand-Bornand 943m on July 17, 2018 in Le Grand-Bornand, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
Astana Qazaqstan team boss Alexander Vinokourov (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

Following a flurry of violence and the collapse of the government in Kazakhstan last week, the UCI has reiterated an apolitical approach to world matters while also calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution.

The Astana Qazaqstan team declined to comment on the situation when contacted by Cyclingnews. However, the political turmoil could cause some unease for the WorldTour squad, which is heavily dependent on state backing.