Professional Cycling Team Trained in Albuquerque
The Ast
ana Cycling Team, led by Johan Bruyneel, formerly of Team Discovery, trained in
Albuquerque January 23 – February 4, 2008. The 2008 Ast
ana team included eight-time Tour de France team director and Ast
ana General M
anager Johan Bruyneel, the 2007 Tour de France Champion Alberto Contador, and the
2007 USA National Road Champion Levi Leipheimer.
This high-profile team chose Albuquerque for their winter training camp to prepare for the 2008 cycling season because of the high altitude, mild
weather and supportive local community that New Mexico has to offer.
Team Astana made American debut January 31st at National Hispanic Cultural Center
During the winter camp, the public was invited to meet Johan Bruyneel,
Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, Chris Horner, Andreas Kloden and the 2008 Astana Team at their USA team launch on January 31, 2008. The team launch event also promoted health and wellness to the local community. The team met and greeted the public with proceeds from the event donated to the American Diabetes Association (New Mexico Division) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Rio Grande Division). The event included a reception and team introduction showcasing a performance by the National Institute of Flamenco and internationally acclaimed Yjastros American Flamenco Repertory Company.
This event and winter training camp brought national and international attention to Albuquerque as a premier center for professional cycling. Event organizers were able to promote health and wellness for all New Mexicans and showcase the destination as a tremendous asset to the cycling community.
“We are thrilled that Astana Cycling has chosen Albuquerque for their winter training camp. They will experience all that our destination has to offer from consistently mild weather, 6,000-11,000-foot elevation for training and a welcoming environment for cyclists,” said Charles Ovis, local training camp representative. “The attention that will surround these
events will continue to highlight Albuquerque and New Mexico as a premier training location for cyclists.”
Special thanks to Bernalillo County and the State of New Mexico Economic Development Department for bringing Johan Bruyneel and the Astana Cycling Team to New Mexico for their 2008 Winter Training Camp.
Local event sponsors: Wachovia Securities, Mesa del Sol, Southwest Glass & Glazing, Presbyterian Healthcare Services and Tri-Core Reference Laboratories.
Additional Information
Photo credits: Astana Team Training Ride - Graham Watson, Cycling in New Mexico - Tom Spross