Astana to split after Tour de France

Tour de France stage 16 to Bourg Saint Maurice was a quiet day in the saddle for the Astana team but the squad was in the news for several other reasons.

As the riders climbed through the Alps, the Astana team truck was stopped at the Swiss border and searched for three hours. Customs officers searched every rider’s suitcase but nothing suspicious was found according to reports.

Before the start in Martigny, team manager Johan Bruyneel also admitted that he will not be in charge at Astana in 2010.

The Astana team is expected to go into meltdown after the Tour de France and split into two teams.

Lance Armstrong is expected to form his own team, with Bruyneel managing it. Armstrong has been looking for a major sponsor for several months and after Tuesday’s stage he posted this message on his twitter feed. “Making a very cool announcement on Thursday re: a new American partner for our team in 2010 (and beyond). Stay tuned!”

Astana will continue as a major team, with Alberto Contador touted as the leader, alongside Alexandre Vinokourov, who’s ban for blood doping ends on July 24.

Bruyneel wasn't happy with the way Vinokourov had announced his comeback. "Vinokourov? We'd planned a meeting to talk about his future, but the day before he held a press conference in our hotel. That was unacceptable," said the Belgian.

French directeur sportif Alain Gallopin is set to stay with Astana.

Just who will ride for Armstrong’s new team is unclear. Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner are certainties and there are also rumours that George Hincapie may quit Columbia for one last season with Armstrong.

Armstrong has already admitted he will probably ride the Tour de France one last time in 2010 and is digging deep to finish on the podium this year.

TOUR DE FRANCE 2009 LINKS

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STAGE REPORTS

Stage 16: Astarloza snatches Alps stage win as contenders wind up the pace

Stage 15: Contador wins in Verbier as Tour explodes into life

Stage 14: Ivanov wins as Nocentini clings onto yellow

Stage 13: Haussler braves rain for victory in Colmar

Stage 12: Sorensen wins in Vittel as Cavendish goes for green

Stage 11: Cavendish takes fourth win to equal Hoban's record

Stage 10: Cavendish spoils Bastille Day party to take third stage win

Stage nine: Third French win as contenders content with ceasefire

stage eight: Sanchez wins from break as Tour favourites cancel each other out

Stage seven: Feillu wins at Arcalis, Nocentini takes yellow, Contador leap-frogs Lance

Stage six: Millar's brave bid denied on Barcelona hill as Hushovd triumphs

Stage five: Voeckler survives chase to win his first Tour stage

Stage four: Astana on top but Armstrong misses yellow by hundredths of a second

Live Tour de France stage four TTT coverage

Stage three: Cavendish wins second stage as Armstrong distances Contador

Stage two: Cavendish takes first sprint

Stage one: Cancellara wins opening time trial

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TOUR DE FRANCE 2009 PHOTOS

Stage 16 photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage 15 photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage 14 photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage 13 photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage 12 photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage 11 photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage 10 photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage nine photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage eight photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage seven photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage six photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage five photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage four TTT photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage three photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage two photo gallery by Graham Watson

Stage one photo gallery by Andy Jones

Stage one photo gallery by Graham Watson

Team presentation by Andy Jones

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TOUR GUIDE

Tour de France 2009 - the hub

Tour de France 2009: Who's riding

Tour de France 2009: Team guide

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Big names missing from 2009 Tour de France

Tour de France anti-doping measures explained

Brits in the Tours: From Robinson to Cavendish

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