Even though there were no illusions or understatements for Michele Scarponi about the role he is expected to play in the Team Astana when he decided to sign the contract and change the vivid pink outfit for the baby blue, it was announced today that experienced Italian rider will receive an opportunity to lead the Kazakh squad early in the season, particularly in the upcoming la Ruta del Sol held in Andalucia.

The 34-year old former Giro d’Italia and Tirreno-Adriatico champion, brought to the Kazakh team mainly to share his broad experience and play the role of a super domestique, was chosen by Alexandre Vinokourov to lead formidable as always Astana team in the Vuelta a Andalucia – Ruta del Sol event, held in Spain from 19 to 23 February 2014.

Danish climber Jakob Fuglsang, who has shown an increasing, steady disposition last year with an impressive performance at the Tour the France, as well as exceptionally versatile Estonian Tanel Kangert, will be the other strong contenders in the Astana roster for Ruta del Sol. Alexey Lutsenko, Alexander Dyachenko, Dimitriy Muravyev and Andrey Zeits will complete the squad for the Spanish event.

Astana roster for Vuelta a Andalucia – Ruta del Sol consists of:

Michele Scarponi, Jakob Fuglsang, Tanel Kangert, Alexey Lutsenko, Alexander Dyachenko, Dimitriy Muravyev and Andrey Zeits.