Tiralongo signed a new contract with Astana

Italian cyclist Paolo Tiralongo signed a new contract with Kazakhstan cycling team Astana, the team's official website writes. One of the world leading mountain cyclist will cycle in the Kazakh blue jersey for at least two next seasons. “We are happy to prolong the contract with Paolo. We know that he is an exceptional mate and is able to devote himself t the team's victory. Besides, he is also capable of winning stages of different multi-day races. We expect his big success,” said Astana manager Giuseppe Martinelli. Meanwhile, the cyclist thinks that he might become the team's leader shortly: “I feel myself very well in Astana. I already play an important role in the team but I'm sure I can progress further.” After nine stages of Tour de France-2011 Tiralongo is ranked 103th in the general classification. He is 35 minutes and 18 seconds behind the leader, French cyclist Thomas Voeckler. According to experts, Astana stopped competing for the first prize in general classification after the team's leader Aleksandr Vinokurov withdrew from the race. However, Kazakhstan team is capable of winning one of the mountain stages of the “Big Loop”. The tenth round will be between Aurillac and Carmaux today, July 12. Tour de France will finish on July 24.