Kazakhstan cyclist Andrey Kashechkin back in Astana team

Famous Kazakhstan cyclist Andrey Kashechkin is back on board of Astana team that he used to cycle for back in 2007, the team's official website reports. He hasn't yet signed the contract, but he is expected to be offered a 2-year one. According to the website Kashechkin will be riding for Astana for free until the end of this season. "This is a Kaxakh team and I was there at the time of it's foundation in 2006. I missed it a lot. And I am grateful to the president of the Cycling Federation of Kazakhstan Kairat Kelimbetov for the opportunity to become part of it again. This is a new stage in my professional career. I will do my best to bring victory to my country and my people," the cyclist said. In 2007 Kashechkin was one of the leaders at Tour de France together with Aleksandr Vinokurov. But after the "Big Loop" he wa caught on doping and disqualified from participation in any competitions for two years. After this two years he rode for Italian Lampe, which he recently let on the basis of mutual consent.