Financial Problems Plague Lance Armstrong's Astana Team

VERONA, Italy -- Lance Armstrong's Astana team is in the midst of a financial crisis on the eve of the American's first Giro d'Italia.

Astana spokesman Philippe Maertens confirmed reports out of Kazakhstan that the team has not been paying its riders lately.

"There are some financial problems," Maertens told The Associated Press on Wednesday, while adding that the team will still start the Giro on Saturday in Venice.

"Of course. Why not? I don't see any problem. The team is not going to default," Maertens said. "There is only a delay of payment."

Armstrong lashed out at Kazakh officials, suggesting to a select group of reporters Wednesday that his Livestrong cancer foundation could step in and bail out the team.

"I don't have any concrete answers, but I suspect we can find some funding that would get us from June to the end of the year," he said.

Pro Tour teams such as Astana must meet financial parameters to stay active, or risk losing their International Cycling Union (UCI) license.

Armstrong is unaffected by the problem because he agreed in September to ride for free for the first year of his comeback to professional cycling after 3½ years of retirement. The seven-time Tour de France winner is planning to support Astana teammate Levi Leipheimer in his bid to win the Giro.

Astana receives most of its financial support from Kazakh state holding company Samruk-Kazyna, but the Central Asian nation's economy has been badly hit by the ongoing global financial crisis.

The possibility of Astana folding would be a blow to the Kazakh government, which uses the team to raise the country's profile.

While Samruk-Kazyna has pledged to continue its support for Astana, which is named after the Kazakh capital, state carrier Air Astana has stopped sponsoring the team.

UCI president Pat McQuaid left open the possibility that the team could be expelled from the Giro if the problems worsen.

"I'm only going to say we're aware of the situation and we are in contact with the team and [the Kazakhstan] federation," he told the AP. "We're going to wait to see how this develops."

Armstrong acknowledged Astana's financial problems while in Rome on Tuesday to promote his campaign to fight cancer. He would like to form his own team but is having a trouble time finding a sponsor.

Building Manager Of Tampa City Center Wins First SWFBUDdy Award

I am happy to announce that SWFBUD (South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers) will be debuting the "SWFBUDdy Award" to people, businesses and public agencies that go out of their way to improve conditions for bicyclists, to increase the profile of bicycling in the Tamp Bay region and to make a difference for bicyclists.

SWFBUD's first award will go to Sandy Ballestra, building manager of the Tampa City Center office building in downtown Tampa for installing bicycle storage rooms in this prominent building.

I saw the storage rooms last week when I attended a bike commuter meeing at the offices of HOK architects in the Tampa City Center and I was impressed with the security and access for bike commuters. I believe Sandy wants to add showers and lockers, too.



My congratulations to Sandy Ballestra, winner of the first SWFBUDdy Award for creating bike storage space in the Tampa City Center. There will be a brief presentation ceremony for the SWFBUDdy award 2PM Friday at the Tampa City Center building at Jackson and Franklin.

Ellen's Day 5 Reaches Kannapolis, NC

My friend Ellen is piling up the miles on her Police Unity Tour, hitting Kannapolis, NC today. Her destination is Washington, DC.

Here's her report from today:

"wellllllllllll it was our toughest day yet. RAINNNNNNNNNN almost all day. I hate riding in the rain. this is the only time i do it. we rode 96 miles from lexington, NC to Hillsboro NC. tomorrow is our longest day at 118 miles to Wilson NC and then Rocky Point. we jsut roll along and the miles click by.

"Every time we stop and do a ceremony to honor fallen officers, you get back on your bike and ride. Its an honor to participate in this event. I am now the Public Info Officer after having met 3 reporters today..........ugh. great helmet hair.

"Hope all are safe. Keep pedaling. Ellen"

day 1 112
day 2 113
day 3 98.4
day 4 86
day 5 96

Bicycle Parade Ends With Citation

Uh-oh. A bicycle advocate has a "bicycle parade" in Santa Cruz, Calif. and gets cited by local police for holding the parade without a permit.

Cure on Wheels Bike Ride Set For May 30-31

I wanted to let everyone know that the second annual Cure on Wheels bike ride is set for May 30 and 31 and will begin at Saint Leo University's campus in Pasco County. There are one- and two-day rides of 30, 62, 105, 122 and 165 miles and there is a $300-$500 fundraising minimum depending on the distance. For more information, contact info@cureonwheels.org. The ride's Web site is www.cureonwheels.org

Bike and Run At The Same Time

Cross a bicycle and a treadmill and you get this beauty. Forwarded to me by Jeff at sidesalad.

Day 3 For Ellen

My friend Ellen completed Day 3 today of her Police Unity Tour.

This is her report:

"day 1 112
day 2 113
day 3 98.4. no i did not ride around the hotel like others to get 100. saving myself...........oh yeah 3500 calories. 35 max speed (don;t tell mom)

hills and headwinds. today was not fun. tired. ice my knees and advil. goodnight."