Astaná-Würth in tonight's team presentation

Eurosport | The Grande distraction

They can come to the reception, but we don't want them at the wedding. That's the message from Tour organizers, who are (for now at least) going to allow Astaná-Würth to participate in tonight's team presentation.

Alexandre Vinokourov and his teammates were also the first team to undergo the regular medical examinations, but the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), which owns the Tour, still doesn't want them in the race.

Vinokourov, who I'll guarantee will pass his dope tests, railed against the trial-by-press:

“There is not a single proof against our team," Vinokourov said on Wednesday. "The press suspects people, but the press could also decide the general classification if it wanted!”

“Getting ready in these conditions is not very good. But the important thing is that we are here and if we are accepted at the start line, our morale will improve from day-to-day.”