Professional Cycling Team to Train in Albuquerque

City offers outstanding environment for pro and leisure cycling

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Jan. 23 // -- The Astana Cycling Team, led by Johan Bruyneel, formerly of Team Discovery, will train in Albuquerque, New Mexico January 23 - February 4, 2008. The 2008 Astana team includes eight-time Tour de France team director and Astana Team Manager Johan Bruyneel, the 2007 Tour de France Champion Alberto Contador, and the 2007 USA National Road Champion Levi Leipheimer.

    Tour de France Winners choose Albuquerque for Winter Training

    This high-profile team has chosen Albuquerque http://www.itsatrip.org for their winter training camp to prepare for the 2008 cycling season because of the high altitude, mild weather and New Mexico's supportive local 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.

    "This high-profile cycling team will help residents relate to how conducive our area is to the sport and Bernalillo County, with public support, can move forward in the development of a Regional Recreational Complex at Mesa del Sol that includes cycling amenities," said Bernalillo County Commission Chair Alan B. Armijo.

    Support Diabetes Association and Multiple Sclerosis Society http://www.itsatrip.org/astana.

    During the winter camp, the public is 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 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. The event will promote health and wellness with proceeds donated to the American Diabetes Association (New Mexico Division) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Rio Grande Division).

    "We welcome these high caliber athletes to Albuquerque. This training camp will help us showcase the diverse landscape and mild weather that make our destination so outstanding for top notch cyclists as well as recreational athletes who come to visit our city," said Dale Lockett, President/CEO of the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau.

    Local event sponsors include Wachovia Securities, Mesa del Sol, Southwest Glass & Glazing, Presbyterian Healthcare Services and Tri-Core Reference Laboratories.

    Visit http://www.itsatrip.org/astana for information on the local event or http://www.johanbruyneel.com for team information.