Astana is in...

The immediate future of Lance Armstrong's Team Astana has been secured after riders and staff were today reassured over their ability to complete the season.

The Kazakhstan-based team have been beset by financial problems and missed a payment to the International Cycling Union, reported to be for £5m, for their racing licence.

However, following talks between Astana's team manager, Johan Bruyneel, the Kazakh Cycling Federation (KCF), government and the managing company Olympus SARL, a mutual agreement was reached.

The KCF has met all debt obligations to Olympus. In a statement, Bruyneel said the recent financial troubles were at an end.

"I appreciate everyone's patience and professionalism during this difficult time and support of the program," he said. "With only 16 days left to the Tour de France, the riders need rest in their minds. We are glad that we can continue with our strong team. It was hardly imaginable that our strong team would not have been able to participate in the world's largest cycling event.

"Thanks to the guarantees made by the Kazakh government, we can continue with the same group that already proved in the past to be a real team.

"We look forward to the next races. For us it will be a new start, but it will look familiar. This is the best solution."

From guardian.co.uk