Key Takeaways:
– Significant investment from XDS will boost Astana’s capabilities and financial resources.
– The team will henceforth be known as the XDS Astana Team.
– XDS seeks to emerge as a global leader in the cycling industry using the platform of a professional cycling team.
– Riders will use X-LAB bikes, and the team will flaunt a new jersey in sky blue colour.
– Their WorldTour participation beyond 2025 depends on the submission of additional documents by January 15th.
Major Upgrade for Astana in 2025
Astana, known for its sky-blue jersey, is all geared up for a radical change in 2025, thanks to the massive investment by Chinese bike manufacturer XDS. XDS, embarking on a bid to become a global leader in the cycling industry, has bought part of the team.
New Name for New Aspirations
Astana Qazaqstan will now be officially called the XDS Astana Team. The team manager, Alexander Vinokourov, as well as director sportif Mark Renshaw, and a few riders have traveled to Shenzhen, China, for the official announcement and signing ceremony.
Comprehensive Support for Superior Performance
With this move, the Astana team is set to benefit hugely from XDS’s advanced engineering capabilities, cutting-edge bicycle technology, and robust financial backing. The riders will now use X-LAB bikes, enhancing their performance.
Distinctive Jersey for a Promising Future
The riders unveiled the new jersey in China. While the sky-blue color remains, some touches of other colors on the shoulder add a fresh twist. The racing kit, provided by the Italian brand Biemme, has included some Kazakhstani sponsors.
Mark Cavendish’s Uncertain Role
However, Mark Cavendish may not be part of the new XDS Astana team. Although he was initially involved in future planning for the team, he was conspicuously absent at the Shenzhen launch.
Additions to the Team’s Staff
Former pros Alex Dowsett and Pete Kennaugh, brought in by Cavendish, are on board to bolster the team’s performance and management staff. Dowsett will serve as the performance engineer while Kennaugh has taken the role of a directeur sportif.
Roster Enhancement for 2025
The team has heavily invested in amplifying its roster for 2025. Alberto Bettiol, the Italian national champion, and thirteen new riders have joined the team. Several Kazakhstani riders have parted ways with the team. Michael Mørkøv and Cavendish have announced retirement.
Contributions to the Performance Group
Investments have also flowed into the Performance Group of XDS Astana, accompanied by the joining of Helmut Dollinger, Manuel Crespo, and Morgan Saussine alongside Dowsett. Vasilis Anastopoulos will continue as the team’s Head of Performance. Maurizio Mazzoleni will serve as the team’s Sports Manager.
XDS’s Global Aspirations
This substantial investment in the Astana team signifies XDS’s big leap into professional cycling and is a strategic part of their plan to expand into international markets. XDS has long been a leader in China’s bicycle market, and by partnering with XDS Astana Team, the company is set to make yet another definitive statement of ambition to lead the global cycling industry.
Challenge of Staying in the WorldTour
XDS Astana will have to fight to stay in the WorldTour beyond 2025. The UCI said their registration for the next season is conditional, based on the submission of additional documents by 15 January. However, the announcement in Shenzhen indicates the issues will soon be resolved.
Conclusion
With XDS’s backing, the Astana team is ready to rise to greater heights. Their shared vision of becoming a global leader may just be the winning formula in the cycling arena come 2025. Everyone in the XDS Astana team looks forward with great eagerness and anticipation to this exciting new chapter. Stay tuned for more updates on their progress.