Team Astana looking ahead to extend Roman Kreuziger’s contract
Roman Kreuziger rode brilliantly during the Giro d’Italia 2012 and his supreme form was evident during the stage 19 of the Italian race.
The Czech professional cyclist started his professional pursuit with Team Liquigas in 2006 and stayed with the side by the end of 2010.
He accepted an offer from Team Astana in 2011 and is continuing his second consecutive season with the side.
It is believed that the team is interested to sign their star rider for the 2013 season but the final decision is not yet been made.
Vice president of the Kazakh Cycling Federation Allen Chayzhunusov told time.kz, "I can only say that we always look for options to improve the team".
"Kreuziger's contact with us ends this year but we would like to continue to have him in the ranks of Astana".
It has also been speculated that Vincenzo Nibali of Team Liquigas-Cannondale is yet another target for Team Astana.
Kreuziger occupied the top spot during the 197 kilometre stage of the race and overcame the race favourites.
Ryder Hesjedal of Team Garmin-Barracuda finished 19 seconds behind at the second position while Joaquim Rodriguez of Team Katusha achieved the third overall spot.
While commenting on the stage victory he cited, "what happened on that day is difficult to digest".
“For sure I came to the Giro to get a good result on GC. I lost morale at Cortina”.
“Today's stage win shows that my spirit is intact but it cannot bring me the same satisfaction as finishing in the top three of the Giro d'Italia".
The final list of top ten cyclists after the stage 10 of the Giro are as under,
1
Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Astana Pro Team
6:18:03
2
Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin - Barracuda
0:00:19
3
Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team
0:00:32
4
Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
0:00:35
5
Domenico Pozzovivo (Ita) Colnago - CSF Inox
0:00:43
6
Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
0:00:55
7
Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling
0:00:57
8
Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi
0:01:18
9
Stefano Pirazzi (Ita) Colnago - CSF Inox
0:01:22
10
John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
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