It looks like the Italians on the Astana squad will gain a few more new members with the apparent signings of Alessandro De Marchi and Paolo Longo Borghini. Both men ride for Cannondale, who are reported to be ether folding or merging with Garmin-Sahrp, where Jonathan Vaughters is renowned for his dislike of Italian riders, meaning there will be no place for them there. Both men are counted amongst Vincenzo Nibali’s friends after riding with him at Liquigas.

If the arrival of De Marchi is virtually certain, that of Paulo is a bit more complex but not impossible. It is a good option for Team Astana and Martinelli really likes the two riders. But there are two problems. One is that the Kazakhstan government funds Astana and they will want to sign some Kazakhs for next year rather than any other riders. The second problem is that the Kazakh team is feeling less Kazakhstani and more Italian, something else the men funding the team wont like.