Úgy tűnik, Lance nem feledkezett meg a segítőjéről:

Chechu’s wheels still turning
Forrás: chechurubiera.info

The rider from Gijon signs a one-year contract with Astana, although his presence depends on the Pro Tour licence of the team

"I have to call Lance and thank him, because he called Johan so that he wouldn’t forget about me." The relationship that those two established in the mountains of the Tour is still alive. They haven’t forgotten each other. Lance and Chechu. The American did his bit so that Rubiera could continue one more year on the road, although he didn’t need to exert much pressure. In a short conversation, Bruyneel and Armstrong agreed. The feeling was mutual. The starting point, too. Chechu must stay on the bike.

Rubiera signed a contract with Astana - the team directed by Belgian Johan Bruyneel - to continue in pro cycling for one more season, and he said in advance that he’ll say a definitive goodbye at the end of that year. However, the confirmation of the contract is still conditional, because Astana is waiting for its Pro Tour licence. He said yesterday that "it’s a big problem because if they don't give us the licence, the team will have to fire a lot of the riders. We’re confident though, because the president of the UCI hasn’t said anything yet."

A familiar team

Although the team didn't make an official offer, there were constant rumors of the signing. There were many factors that supported it. Rubiera is a top-notch cyclist. Self-sacrificing. Very experienced. And in Astana, he will find old team-mates from Discovery, like the current Tour winner, Alberto Contador, and fellow Asturian, Benjamín Noval. The Baldornón rider was very satisfied to be able to ride for one more year, as he had intended even before Discovery Channel announced its dissolution. Indeed, he was very, very happy.

"I'm very pleased because I’m going to a familiar team where I have a great relationship with lots of the staff and the riders. That's a continuation of what I had at Discovery." In his new team he will also find Dani Navarro, another rider from Gijón.

But above them all is the figure of Johan Bruyneel. The Belgian was the directeur sportif at Discovery and will be the general manager at Astana. He knows what Chechu can give. That's the reason why the negotiations were just a formality. "I stepped back from the negotiations, but there wasn´t any problem because I've been working with Johan for a long time." There were no revelations. He has shown what he can do. The Tour summits and Lance Armstrong can testify to it. His individual victories, too.

That’s just why Chechu spoke with Bruyneel to make a sketch of what will happen next season. Chechu wants a more selective schedule, and all his wishes have been granted. "I spoke with Johan about it and told him that I wanted to ride in a big tour and in some classics," he said, adding, "I don't mind which one, because they’re all great, but I like the Giro."

The arrival of winter brought a happy ending to the dilemma he faced. Like in American movies. The difficult months are behind him, thinking about retirement. "Leaving when you don't want to is very difficult."

Now the race goes on. The wheels are still turning. And there are no obstacles. Now Chechu can finish on the path he began when he first climbed on the bike.