Contador has also won the 2008 Giro d'Italia and the 2008 Vuelta Espana

Tour de France champion Alberto Contador is to ride for Astana in 2010, the Kazakh-funded team has announced.

The 26-year-old and Lance Armstrong were locked in a leadership battle throughout last month's Tour which led to speculation over their futures.

But Astana insist that Contador will honour his contract with the team.

"The Astana Cycling Team Management reconfirms that Alberto Contador is expected to ride for Team Astana in 2010," said a team statement.

"Prior to the 2008 season, Contador signed a three-year contract with Team Astana, ensuring that the rider will represent the Kazakh sponsored team for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010."

Astana had financial trouble this year after sponsors defaulted on payments, meaning that riders reportedly went unpaid for long periods.

Spaniard Contador, who also won the Tour de France in 2007, had earlier been linked with a move away from Astana.

However, the team's future is no longer in doubt, according to Rinus Wagtmans, the official spokesperson for the Kazakh authorities.

"Our sponsors are keen to continue with the team at least until the end of 2013," Wagtmans said in a statement.

"It is clear that Alberto Contador will be our absolute leader of the team for next season.

"We are surprised to read that many other teams have reportedly shown their intention to engage our Tour winner when he remains under contract.

"A transfer is not negotiable and we will honour the signed contract. We look forward to more victories from Alberto in 2010."

Seven-time Tour de France champion Armstrong has already announced his intention to launch his own team, known as 'The Shack' and sponsored by Radio Shack next year.

Both riders admitted tensions between them during this year's Tour de France and race organiser Christian Prudhomme has already talked about the exciting prospect of Contador and Armstrong duelling in 2010.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version