Astana troubles sorted

"Thanks to Rinus Wagtmans, who acted as representative of the Kazakh government, all parties have reached a mutual and written agreement which gives riders and staff of the team sufficient guarantees for the operation and functioning of the team for the remainder of the season," Astana said.

"The mutual agreement resolves the financial difficulties the team has endured since April 2009."

Astana had been given until close of business on Tuesday to resolve their financial woes, otherwise they would have faced being stripped of their licence to race by the International Cycling Union.

During last month's Giro d'Italia, seven-times Tour de France winner Armstrong and all but one of his team mates blanked out the sponsors' names on their shirts in protest at the money trouble.

Team manager Johan Bruyneel said: "I appreciate everyone's patience and professionalism during this difficult time and support of the programme.

"With only 16 days left to the Tour de France, the riders need peace of mind. We are glad that we can continue with our strong team."

Armstrong joins 2007 winner Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, Haimar Zubeldia, Andreas Kloeden and Yaroslav Popovych in the Astana team for the race, which starts in Monaco on July 4.

Three other riders would soon be added to the team.