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Fans and Partners
The heart and soul of any cycling team. Without one, the sport doesn’t exist, but together they’ve created the best cycling team in the world – Team Astana.
Standing on the streets of Paris, chasing riders up Italy’s Dolomites, feeling the wind as rider after rider speeds by on their time-trial bike. No other sport enables fans to be in the action … And for free!
At Team Astana, we’re extremely grateful for the support of our fans and partners. Whether it’s the casual or die-hard fan, title sponsor or supplier, we value everyone’s passion, trust and commitment to Team Astana.
“It’s difficult to mention everyone who has contributed to the success of the new Astana Cycling Team. The country of Kazakhstan, the city of Astana and our Kazakh sponsors and officials have championed this team. It is a true honor for every rider and staff member to represent Kazakhstan, our partners and all fans throughout the world.”
– Johan Bruyneel
Air Astana
The national carrier of Kazakhstan, Air Astana operates scheduled domestic and international services throughout Europe and Asia. With its main bases at Astana International Airport and Almaty International Airport, the seven-year old airline has quickly established itself as a leader in the airline industry and is constantly expanding services. Air Astana serves as the official airline for the entire Astana Team when flying to, from, or within Kazakhstan.
To learn more about Air Astana, please visit www.airastana.com
ENRC (Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation)
Since Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, ENRC has created a leading diversified natural resources group with fully integrated mining, processing, energy and transport operations. Contributing significantly to Kazakhstan's GDP, ENRC is now one of the world's largest producer of ferrochrome, the world's sixth largest exporter of iron ore; the world's fifth largest producer of traded aluminum; and one of the largest electricity providers in Kazakhstan. ENRC constantly invests in modern environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient technology. The ongoing and future replacement of equipment will contribute substantially to the improved health, safety and environment performance of the ENRC’s operations.
To learn more about ENRC, please visit www.enrc.com
Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ)
Kazakhstan Temir Zholy serves to develop, operate, and maintain railway transportation in Kazakhstan. Headquartered in Astana, the railway offers both commercial shipping and passenger transport services and is the largest employer in Kazakhstan with about 79,000 employees with over 80,000 wagons. The company is working closely with GE in the electrification of tracks.
To learn more about Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, please visit www.railways.kz
KazMunayGas
KazMunayGas is the national operator for the exploration, mining, refining and transport of oil resources. Kazakhstan ranks in 9th place in the world and 2nd place among non-OPEC countries in oil reserves. Kazakhstan and KazMunayGas are committed to the diversification of sustainable routes of energy resources y from Kazakhstan to global markets.
To learn more about KazMunayGas, please visit www.kmg.kz/eng
Kazakhmys
Kazakhmys is an international natural resources company with its principal operations in Kazakhstan and the surrounding region. The company is the largest copper producer in Kazakhstan and in the top ten worldwide. The copper division also produces significant volumes of other metals as by-products, including zinc, silver and gold. Full integration from mining ore to the production of finished metal give Kazakhmys a strong platform for future growth and development.
To learn more about Kazakhmys, please visit www.kazakhmys.com
Kazzinc
Kazzinc is a major fully integrated zinc producer with considerable copper, precious metals and lead credits. Based in the East-Kazakhstan region, the company employs over 20,000 people in mining, ore dressing, metallurgy, power generation and mechanical production. Kazzinc seeks to maintain its position as the world's five lowest cost producers in its industry.
To learn more about Kazzinc, please visit www.kazzinc.com
Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC)
KEGOC provides Kazakhstan’s electrical needs and assures reliable operation of the Unified Power System. In an effort to preserve the environment, KEGOC invests in the development of alternate energy sources, including hydro-power.
To learn more about KEGOC, please visit www.kegoc.kz
Trek Bicycle Corporation
Headquartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin, Trek Bicycle Corporation is a global leader in bicycle design and manufacturing. From the original hand-built steel touring frames introduced in 1976 to the revolutionary OCLV carbon fiber first introduced in 1992, Trek’s passion for innovation, quality, and performance leads the industry with next-generation technology and thinking. With an unprecedented eight Tour de France titles in the last nine years, six straight 24-hour World Solo Mountain Bike Championships, and countless other professional wins, Trek enjoys a rich tradition of victory in the world’s premier cycling events. Today, with a broad range of bicycles and cycling products, Trek continues to pursue new ways to bring the joy of cycling to all people.
“Hands down, the best cyclists in the world deserve the best equipment. Whether it be a Sports Director or General Manager, the first decision is always about the bike. With my long successful history on Trek bikes, the decision couldn’t be easier – Trek would be the bike of Team Astana.”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about Trek, please visit www.trekbikes.com
Giro
Giro, based in Santa Cruz, California, is a worldwide leader in the design, development and marketing of premium, high-performance protective gear and accessories for action sports and active lifestyles. An innovative, consumer-focused brand, Giro’s mission is to create products on the leading edge of inspired design that help their customers look, feel and achieve their best.
“With the requirement to wear helmets, Giro has developed light-weight, aero-dynamic and effective helmets, both for the road and time-trial events. We have a new generation of riders that don’t view it as a requirement. They want to wear the Giro brand of helmets in the races and on their training rides.”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about Giro, please visit www.giro.com
SRAM
Since 1987, SRAM has revolutionized the bike world with its components. Driven by SRAM Red’s goals of light-weight, higher efficiency and advanced materials, SRAM has created the most technologically advanced gruppo in the pro-peloton. Boasting the 1st sub-2000 gram gruppo, SRAM Red won its first Grand Tour title at the 2008 Giro d’Italia.
"SRAM has proven itself at the highest levels of cycling, but having the lightest gruppo in the world with RED, along with all the function and features, is a real advantage. They are making serious impressions in the road market and clearly it has already benefited this Team and put us on the top step of the podium."
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about SRAM, please visit www.sram.com
Science in Sport (SiS)
Growing out of the desire to provide the best nutritional products and advice to athletes, Science in Sport mixes qualified sport scientists, food technologists, and physicians with keen athletes who have competed from the local level to the world stage. As a result of all this experience SiS has an unprecedented knowledge of the nutritional needs of athletes. The company is continually striving to innovate and improve products to assist all athletes to reach their goals and maintain its position as leaders in sports nutrition. Team Astana relies on SiS for its energy and recovery needs.
“Without the proper energy, even the world’s best rider will perform at sub-par levels. Nutrition is often over-looked and that is the main reason we partnered with SiS. They understand the nutritional needs of professional cyclists and have developed energy and recovery products that address the dietary requirements of our riders.”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about SiS, please visit www.scienceinsport.com
LOOK
LOOK created the first clipless pedal and since then has continued to revolutionize the link between man and bike. Riding the Kéo Carbon and Kéo Ti pedals, Team Astana has seen the benefits of balancing comfortability and efficiency in a pedal. LOOK is pleased to announce that they have amassed over 140 victories thus far this season with teams riding Kéo pedals … Many of those victories coming from Team Astana!
“To some it may only be a pedal, but to Team Astana the LOOK Kéo pedal is one of the most important parts. If you’re going to be connected with the bike for 5-6 hours per day, you want a pedal that is comfortable, but also allows you to produce maximum mechanical power. LOOK no futher!”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about LOOK, please visit www.lookcycle.com
FIRST ENDURANCE
First Endurance was started by two racing fanatics (a cyclist and a triathlete) with a healthy obsession for sports nutrition. The idea was simple. Give endurance athletes access to formulas that are developed for one specific reason-to maximize endurance performance. On every Team Astana breakfast table, you’ll find OptygenHP and PreRace, providing the Team with the training and race supplements to win the biggest races.
“When Levi Leipheimer came to Team Discovery Channel in 2006, he brought with him OptygenHP and PreRace. Then the other riders tried it and saw the benefits. After that, it was clear to me that we needed to supply the entire Team with these supplements, which has continued with Team Astana”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about First Endurance, please visit www.firstendurance.com
LifeSize
LifeSize is the first company to develop and deliver high definition video communications products. Founded in 2003 by industry veterans, LifeSize was named “Videoconferencing Company of the Year” in 2007 by Videoconferencing Insight. LifeSize’s award-winning solutions combine exceptional quality, user simplicity and administrator manageability to make video communications a productive, true-to-life experience.
“With 70 staff and riders living in over 15 countries, we rely on LifeSize for our communication needs. The system has reduced our travel for meetings, allowing us to save time and money, while still enabling us to have that face-to-face interaction that leads to productivity and success.”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about LifeSize, please visit www.lifesize.com
Pearl Izumi
The name Pearl Izumi is derived from the gem "pearl" and an area of Japan known for its clear water "Izumi." Literally translated, our name means, "fountain of pearls." The focus of the Pearl Izumi line remains dedicated to meeting the needs of the serious sport enthusiast. The company's long-term plan for the Pearl Izumi brand has been to strengthen its position in cycling and apply the same formula for quality, innovation and technical performance into other sport categories.
“In order for our riders to perform at the highest level, we strive to maximize their comfort when not riding. Pearl Izumi has an outstanding reputation within the cycling and athletic worlds and we’re looking forward to wearing their athletic shoes on the podium and off-the-bike.”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about Pearl Izumi, please visit www.pearlizumi.com
Tacx
The world's best racing cyclists warm up on Tacx’s Satori trainer. Whether it be stuck inside during a bad weather day or getting ready for a time-trial, Tacx trainers get Team Astana race ready and prepared for the battle.
“Seeing all the teams warm-up during a TT day, it’s clear that the majority are using Tacx trainers to get ready for the race of truth. From Lance to now Levi and Alberto, Tacx has helped us produce top results in key races.”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about Tacx, please visit www.tacx.com
VitaFytea
Since 1996, VitaFytea has been supplying Europe with the most comprehensive selection of vitamins and supplements. In 2008, VitaFytea partnered with Team Astana supplying the riders with the dietary supplements to keep them healthy.
“Health and wellness are paramount to our success. VitaFytea’s daily vitamins help prevent illnesses and diseases, keeping our Team in race-ready condition.”
- Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about VitaFytea, please visit www.vitafytea.com
Trek Travel
Trek Travel began in 2002 as a subsidiary of Trek Bicycles, offering cycling vacations across North America and Europe. Currently, Trek Travel offers trips around the globe, including luxury destinations and top cycling races. Emphasizing flexibility, Trek Travel has a cycling vacation for any level of rider. Born from industry leader Trek Bikes’ 30 years of experience, Trek Travel’s focus is on providing exceptionally personalized vacation experiences to every guest. Top-of-the-line Trek bikes, highly trained world-class guides, and unique local connections set Trek Travel apart.
“There’s no better way to experience Europe and the world’s best bike races. Whether riding Alp d’Huez hours before the pros or visiting the Team at the team hotel, Trek Travel provides their VIP guests with memories that last a lifetime.”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about Trek Travel, please visit www.trektravel.com
Bontrager
Bontrager Cycles was founded in 1980 by Keith Bontrager and was later acquired by Trek Bicycle Corporation in 1995. Keith Bontrager continues to work with his team of Product Managers and Engineers to continually deliver premium wheels, parts and accessories to Team Astana.
“People seem to forget how much Bontrager contributes to the bike. Everyone knows about the wheels, but they’ve done a great job in expanding their quality line of quality products to saddles, handlebars and seat-posts.”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about Bontrager, please visit www.bontrager.com
SRM
SRM - Schoberer Rad Messtechnik – was founded by the engineer Ulrich Schoberer in 1986. Prior to this the qualified medical engineer had spent many years thinking up ways to take the measurement of an athlete’s power output on the pedals under real conditions during an actual ride. It was not until Ulrich Schoberer developed and patented the SRM Training System that it at last became possible to measure power in watts while cycling. Whereby the unerring measure of an athlete’s power capacity – his pedaling power – is measured at the point where output really occurs, on the special bottom bracket, the SRM Powermeter.
“To improve in training and in the race, riders need both qualitative and quantative feedback. SRM provides riders with on-the-bike, instanteous statistics that we as a Team can then evaluate and assess after training periods and the race. Uli’s system has revolutioned the sport and is still heavily depended on twenty years after it was created.”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about SRM, please visit www.srm.de/englisch/index.html
Park Tool
Park Tool has been manufacturing bicycle specific tools since 1963. Based out of St. Paul Minnesota, Park Tool is the world's largest bicycle tool manufacturer. A long-term dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service has made Park Tool the first choice of professional and home bicycle mechanics around the world.
“Park Tool products are our mechanics’ best friends. Whether it’s on the truck or in the race car, the mechanics always have their reliable tools with them, ready to fix any problem no matter how small or big.”
– Johan Bruyneel
To learn more about Park Tool, please visit www.parktool.com