Like a Fine Wine: On the Heels of Lance Armstrong Comeback, Alexander Vinokourov Plans Return, Seeks Redemption

If it's good enough for Lance (and Basso, and Petacchi, and Sevilla, and Valverde, and Mancebo, and Botero), it's good enough for Alexander Vinokourov! The Kazakh cycling legend has announced his intention to return to pro riding (despite being dogged by doping accusations) at the 2009 Giro, and with none other than the Astana Cycling Team of Lance Armstrong.

I know what you're thinking: no way will Lance allow Vino to sign with Astana. Not so fast. Vinokourov launched Astana with the backing of all the current Astana decision makers. He is a national hero and the reason that the Kazakh government has backed the Astana venture. If Vino asserts his force, which he most certainly will, won't Astana accept him back into the fold? Probably. Plus, he's be a great lieutenant for Armstrong at the Tour.

But there is one final obstacle standing in Vino's way on the comeback trail: the UCI. Pat McQaid has long contended that the punishment handed down (1 year) by the Kazakh cycling federation for Vino's homologous blood doping was not sufficient. If Vino applies officially for a racing license, he'll have to contend with the fact that under UCI regulations he is not eligible to return to pro cycling until July of 2009. Quite a quandary for the aging 36 year old battle axe.

As seems to be the trend recently, the Astana team continues to be front and center in the press, despite the fact that we are heading into the off season. At this point, Astana has enough subplots going on to be considered a legitimate circus. The media will no doubt swarm over the next few weeks, as Johan Bruyneel and his turquoise army play out the triple drama: the Vino comeback, the Armstrong comeback, and escape of Alberto Contodor. As a cycling fan, what more could you ask for the upcoming holiday season?!!?!?!!?? Ho! Ho!! Ho!!!