Alexandre Vinokourov confident of Vincenzo Nibali stay

Stage winner Italy's Vincenzo Nibali celebrates on the podium after winning the 197.5 km thirteenth stage of the 101st edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 18, 201
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Alexandre Vinokourov believes that Vincenzo Nibali will remain with Astana until 2018.

Astana general manager Alexandre Vinokourov has revealed that he is confident that Vincenzo Nibali will remain with Astana for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

The 31-year-old Italian rider's deal with the Kazakhstan-based side is due to expire at the end of the season, and the former Tour de France champion has been linked with a move to a number of teams.

"Why should he change? I contacted his agent today and Vincenzo feels good with us because at his disposal he has all the conditions to give him the best," Vinokourov told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I would say that, 99%, in 2017 and 2018 he will race with us."

Nibali, who is one of only six cyclists to have won all three of cycling's Grand Tours, joined Astana in 2013.

Great Britain's Christopher Froome celebrates his overall leader yellow jersey on the podium at the end of the 159.5 km third stage of the 102nd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 6, 2015
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