Although he showed great one day strength this year when he raced to success in Liége-Bastogne-Liege, Kazakhstan’s Alexandre Vinokourov has decided not to fly to Australia for the world road race championships.
The 37 year old Astana rider feels that he doesn’t stand much of a chance, and so he prefers to set his sights on another target.
“It makes no sense to make the trip to the world championships,” he said, according to Sporza. “It is a circuit on which I have no chance of winning.
Instead, he will ride the Asian championships which will be held on November 20th.
Vinokourov rode solidly in last year’s worlds, attacking in the finale of the race but being chased down by the other riders. Prior to that, he rode the Asian championships at its earlier date in August, winning the time trial and netting second in the road race.
2010 has been a more successful season; notable results include a stage plus the overall of the Giro del Trentino, victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, leadership and sixth overall in the Giro d’Italia, stage 13 of the Tour de France and second in the Clasica San Sebastian. He’s been quiet since then but will aim to be in top form for the Asian champs.
Given that he’s not heading to Australia, he will be working hard in Europe. That could set him up for a strong ride in the Tour of Lombardy, should he decide to target it. The race is often won by the same kind of rider who contends for victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège; in other words, riders like Vinokourov.