In his e-mail Leipheimer says he was very surprised that his team was allowed to race the Giro after race organiser RCS first had refused to invite his Astana team. "Well, we're not in the Tour de France (yet), but you've probably heard by now that RCS Sports reversed its initial decision and Astana is now racing in this year's Giro d'Italia. It was a big surprise when Johan called. I was originally planning to train in the U.S. for a few weeks, but now I'm in Italy in the first week of what will no doubt be a tough three-week race."

Levi Leipheimer said that his Astana squad is very motivated to show themselves in the Giro and that German rider Andreas Klöden will lead the team during the Italian stage race. Leipheimer said: "A last minute invitation is far from ideal, but the team is super-motivated to show the world that we're the best stage racing team in the pro peloton, and coming off his Tour de Romandie win, Andreas (Kloden) looks to be peaking at just the right time. He's the team captain going into the race and I think he's got a real shot at the podium."

Together with bike sponsor Trek, Leipheimer started a campaign to put pressure on Tour de France organiser ASO to let Astana start at this years Tour de France as well. The number three of last years Grand Boucle collected more than 60.000 signatures on http://www.letleviride.com/ to support the start of Leipheimer and his team.

Leipheimer said: "I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me and the team throughout this strange season. Your support truly matters, as the Giro reversal clearly attests. Who knows? After we show the world what we're capable of at the Giro, maybe we'll find ourselves in France in July."