Roman Kreuziger to lead Team Astana at the Tour de Suisse 2012
Roman Kreuziger received massive criticism from Team Astana management after his disappointing performance during the Giro d’Italia 2012.
He was leading the team at the Italian Grand Tour and could not secure any better than the 15th overall position after the final general classifications.
The cyclist finished 14 minutes and 27 seconds behind the race leader Ryder Hesjedal of Team Garmin Barracuda.
Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver of Team Katusha finished 16 seconds behind at the second position with Thomas De Gendt of Team Vacansoleil-DCM holding the third spot.
Michele Scarponi of Team Lampre-ISD, Ivan Basso of Team Liquigas-Cannondale and Rigoberto Uran Uran of Team Sky Procycling achieving the next four positions.
Kreuziger also succeeded during the stage 19 of the Giro d’Italia and occupied the third overall spot at the Tirreno-Adriatico 2012.
Team Astana has given the cyclist one more opportunity to lead the side at the Tour de Suisse scheduled from June 9-17, 2012.
Team Sports Director Dmitri Sedoun noted, “we will be assessing Kreuziger's form in the initial stages".
"I spoke with Roman over the last few days and he seemed very motivated”.
“Not only does he love this race, where he shone at the start of his cycling career, but he also especially likes this year's parcours”.
Dmitri also explained that the 2012 edition of the Tour de Suisse will have a lot of tough stages including the 34 kilometre time trial on Friday followed by the two really tough high-mountainous stages.
While commenting on the full team squad for the Swiss race, Dmitri briefed that the Ardennes Classics hero, Robert Kiserlovski will also ride amongst Kreuziger for the coming race.
“Then there is Kessiakoff, who is coming back after a period of forced rest,” he noted.
“So we will see how he has recovered, and Gavazzi, who will be able to have a say in at least a couple of stage finishes”.
“Guarnieri is there for the sprints, while Muravyev is continuing his preparation ahead of the Tour de France," Sedoun noted.
The final squad to represent Team Astana at the Tour de Suisse include, Assan Bazayev, Francesco Gavazzi, Jacopo Guarnieri, Tanel Kangert, Fredrik Kessiakoff, Robert Kiserlovski Dmitriy Muravyev and Roman Kreuziger.
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