December 6, 2008 (Tenerife, Spain) – Team Astana recently held a press conference at the hotel Las Madrigueras in Tenerife, Spain during its training camp announcing Lance Armstrong’s return to cycling. Armstrong declared that he is fully prepared to work for Alberto Contador dispelling the controversy surrounding his joining Astana.

Armstrong said he’ll work for the strongest rider on the team, “I have a lot of respect for this man. I can’t say it any simpler. This guy is the best cyclist in the world.” Contador, 26, who once considered changing teams has accepted the situation. Armstrong’s first race will be the Tour Down Under in January followed by the Tour of California, some spring Classics, the Giro d’Italia, and the 2009 Tour de France.

Team Astana Directeur Sportif Johan Bruyneel echoed the team’s renewed vision and supported Armstrong’s comments. He said that Alexandre Vinokourov is also welcome back on the team once he serves his suspension for a blood transfusion at the 2007 Tour de France and is re-instated by the UCI and the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation.

Armstrong was also questioned about doping and claimed he has never doped but understands there will always be disbelievers. He added that cycling is not getting the credit it deserves in combating doping.

Click here for more on the press conference.