In a significant career move, 20-year-old Colombian cyclist Santiago Umba is poised to make his WorldTour debut next year. Reports indicate that Umba, who this year rides for Gianni Savio’s GW Shimano-Sidermec team, has penned a one-year contract with Astana Qazaqstan.
The young Colombian started his professional journey with Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec and its successor, Drone Hopper-Androni Giocattoli, which are now operating at a continental level. His maiden year with Savio’s squad was marked by a victory in a mountain stage to La Planche des Belles Filles during the Tour Alsace, where he also finished fourth overall. That same year, he claimed third place in Le Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc, notching another mountain stage win.
However, over the past two seasons, Umba’s results have not mirrored those early successes, though he did manage a top-ten finish in this season’s Giro Next Gen. Looking ahead, the climber is confident of his growth prospects with Astana. He expressed certainty on his future employer’s website, believing Astana to be the perfect environment for him to make significant strides.
Astana Qazaqstan Envisions a Bright Future for Umba
Aleksandr Vinokourov, the team manager at Astana Qazaqstan, has expressed his belief in Umba’s potential, citing his participation in major professional races and the valuable experience gained as a solid foundation for future development. He acknowledged that while Umba is still young, he has achieved commendable results in the youth categories and already understands the demands of professional racing. Vinokourov’s comments suggest that with careful and systematic work, Umba is well-positioned to attain a commendable level within the WorldTour ranks.
