"Gives Kazakhstan important points in the Olympic ranking" - Alexey Lutsenko's Tour of Turkey victory could have big ramifications according to Alexandr Vinokourov

Alexandr Vinokourov knows how important a victory in the Olympic Games can be for his nation. Looking ahead to the 2024 games in Paris, the Astana Qazaqstan Team boss believes Alexey Lutsenko's Tour of Turkey win could prove key.

“Alexey was unable to achieve his goals in the first part of the season due to illness and other matters, but since the Asian Games he has returned to his usual level." recapped the 50-year-old Kazakhstani after his team leader's general classification victory was confirmed.

Vinokourov himself took Gold in the men's road race at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and is still treated as a hero back in his homeland. As such he knows more than many just how important gaining the required Olympic points in the build up to the games can be.

"Very important," Vinokourov stresses. "Because he gives Kazakhstan important points in the Olympic ranking and two of the four Olympic starting tickets for Paris 2024.” Lutsenko will likely be an outside bet in the race for gold in Paris but so was Vinokourov back in 2012 so you never know.