Any Western European country has the same political problems in determining their government funding: More money for education, or do we rather invest in health-care? No such problems in Kazachstan, a cyclingteam is more important than those (in Western countries) socially acquired feats.
Kazachstan needs to be put on the map, and what better way than to go through a sport in which you know you've got some accomplished people already? That's right, professional cycling. Former chair of the cabinet and good friend of Vinokourov, Daniyal Akhmetov, invited all Kazachstan's riders to tea and fil...