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Astana - one of the most under rated teams?
I don't know if I am alone in this but I have been pretty impressed by the Astana team this season.
They don't seem to have the big bucks riders of some teams or even the same level of equipment - ie. they alwasy seem to be on Tarmac's and not using the Spesh range of jumping from Tarmac to Venge to Roubaix and back again.
They just seem to be doing a good job. Perhaps the years of supporting Lance, Bertie or Vino has meant that this year, even with Vino there but not back, so to speak, they are just riding for themselves. I don't know, but they have impressed me so far.
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9 comments
in terms of the bikes, possibly that spesh want to promote all bikes equally, i.e. if all pros rode only venge then puts a question on what the tarmac is for etc, o/p/q clearly are the main platform team, so use a good variety. suppose its the problem/benefit of having to many race tools to promote
Maybe I am just not cynical enough
but I really thought of the opportunity to just 'get out and ride' level of freedom, rather than protect/assist/work for a team leader could be the reason. 
Jokes about equipment options aside - could there be something in sticking with the same bikes rather than swapping between different bikes and the subsequent (albeit often subtle) ride characteristics or handling differences. I am not sure - just thinking aloud (or is that thinking in type?)really.
Interesting point raised about Saxo Bank too. In fact I couldn't even tell you which Spesh bikes they have been using because they really have been that low key. Even on smaller races like the Tour of Turkey that is on at the moment, they still look like a team that is lost!
After my decision today I hope it is the reason
Only joking.
Yeah, it is a bit weird how the other Specialized teams; namely Omega pharma Quickstep seem to be getting roubaixs and venges.
Perhaps that's the reason why Astana are doing so well?
They get the same shoes and helmets and stuff though.
I'm confused about Saxobank though.
What are they aiming for this season?
Obviously not classics, and they've not really got anyone for GTs, except for Jezus Hernandez or whatever he's called, and he can't TT for love nor money.
They've got no sprinters, I don't know what they're up to.
I thought they got the bikes for free because it was free advertising for Specialised?
They do I think but they don't seem to get the same range as omega pharma quick step.
Not sure on saxo bank as they have been virtually invisible in the peleton.
I hope its more freedom than formula for the sake of cycling.
Yes, the Astana riders are suddenly doing very well. Not just the team but the riders are performing much better than previous results suggest.
I think Astana have been concentrating on their preparation. The riders are prepared very well.
As the live text commentary on CN said, they seem to have found the winning formula.
This in the EPO sense.