After the doping cases of last year, the Kazakh Cycling Federation considered to close the Astana WorldTour team of Tour de France champion Vincenzo Nibali.

At the official team presentation in Dubai, the President of the national federation, Darkhan Kaletayev, revealed the considerations. "I can not deny that we considered to pull the plug on this whole project," said the president. "We have stopped the continental team and also looked at the image of the professional team. But it was clear that the Astana team is an incredibly successful project for Kazakhstan."

The Astana riders Maxim and Valentin Iglinsky tested positive for EPO while three riders from the continental team were caught doping. Kaletayev has asked the International Cycling Union UCI for advice about how to get rid of the problems

"In many areas, changes have been made," Kaletayev continued. "We have already introduced a biological passport for juniot riders and track riders. There will be more control at races in Kazakhstan. During the winter, the pro team has been investigated by the University of Lausanne. Our internal regulations have been sharpened. We will keep a closer eye on all of our riders."