XDS Astana Team Ready to Launch 21st Season in UCI WorldTour
Astana, The Gulf Observer: XDS Astana Team is fully prepared to begin its 21st season at the highest level of professional cycling, the UCI WorldTour, the team’s press service told Qazinform News Agency.
The previous, milestone 20th anniversary season marked a significant breakthrough for the team, which achieved 32 victories, 73 podium finishes, and secured 4th place in the WorldTeam rankings. With the start of a new three-year WorldTour cycle, the team now looks ahead with renewed ambition and determination to reach new heights.
For the 2026 season, XDS Astana Team will feature a roster of 30 riders. While the lineup remains largely consistent with the previous year, it has been further strengthened by the addition of four new riders — Arjen Livyns, Cristián Rodríguez, Marco Schrettl, and Thomas Silva. In addition, Gleb Syritsa and Lev Gonov have been promoted from the XDS Astana Development Team.
Commenting on the team’s readiness, Alexandr Vinokurov, General Manager of XDS Astana Team, said that the recently concluded season brought unforgettable emotions and strong motivation to continue progressing. He noted that the team not only achieved its objectives but, more importantly, restored its confidence and belief in its ability to accomplish even the most ambitious goals.
Vinokurov expressed appreciation for the continued support of the team’s main partners — Samruk-Kazyna, the SportQory Sports Support Fund, and XDS — highlighting their role in the successful completion of the anniversary season. Looking ahead, he emphasized that the new WorldTour cycle presents fresh challenges and ambitious objectives, including a special focus on the strong performance of Kazakh riders at the Summer Asian Games.
“With a fully formed and well-balanced roster, strengthened through targeted recruitment, XDS Astana Team is capable of achieving major accomplishments in the new season,” he added.
It is also noteworthy that Uruguayan rider Thomas Silva will make his WorldTour debut with XDS Astana Team starting from the upcoming season.
