Astana: Armstrong leadership no given

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Lance Armstrong may have to accept a supporting role to Astana teammate Alberto Contador in next year's Tour de France, the team cycling director said Thursday.

Johan Bruyneel ruled out a departure from Astana by Spain's Contador, who won the Tour de France, Italy's Giro and Spain's Vuelta in little over a year. The two will have to cooperate, he said.

"At the end of the day, the strongest rider will be supported, regardless of that person's name or what they've accomplished in the past," Bruyneel said in a press release.

And he left no doubt who was strongest now.

"Alberto has had a magnificent year and is currently the best professional cyclist in the world," Bruyneel said.

After leading Armstrong to seven Tour victories before his initial retirement in 2005, Bruyneel took Contador to victory in the 2007 Tour, and after Astana was denied entry this year, Contador won the Giro and Vuelta instead.

"Lance must prove that he has the physical ability to win big races," Bruyneel said.

"This is not the first time that big names have all been on the same team. It has worked out in the past and I'm confident for the same in 2009."

When the 37-year old Armstrong announced his comeback and intention to compete for an eighth Tour title next season, it clashed with the ambitions of Contador, who insisted the leadership of Astana should be his.

The Spaniard let it be known he would leave if he was given a secondary role supporting Armstrong. Bruyneel ruled that out on Thursday.

"Alberto signed a contract with Team Astana through 2010," Bruyneel said. "I have invested a lot of my time into Alberto's development and he will remain with this team for the next two years. Actually it's pretty simple, there's a contract and there are no options to leave."

Bruyneel saw a blueprint for the 2009 Tour when Contador finished first in the Vuelta last month, with teammate Levi Leipheimer of the United States closely behind.

"It's no secret that Levi Leipheimer could have won the Vuelta, but it was clear to the team directors that Alberto was the strongest rider," said Bruyneel "We have some big names and great leaders on the 2008 squad. Adding one more only makes us that much stronger."