Astana Qazaqstan unveils 2024 Team: A blend of new faces and established talent

Mathew Mitchell

Published on December 17, 2023
in Men's Cycling

Astana Qazaqstan, the WorldTour team from Kazakhstan, has announced its complete lineup for the upcoming season. Team boss Alexandr Vinokurov, while expressing satisfaction with the 29 contracted riders, acknowledges a missing piece in the puzzle. “We have created a balanced team with a mix of young talents and experienced riders, but we lack that one rider who can compete for the general classification in grand tours,” Vinokurov states.

The team’s roster features 14 new signings, including notable names like Lorenzo Fortunato, Ide Schelling, Max Kanter, and Davide Ballerini. Mark Cavendish, who is on a quest to break Eddy Merckx’s Tour de France stage win record, remains an integral part of the lineup. Despite the optimism for the new season, Vinokurov admits the absence of a dedicated GC contender in grand tours.

Astana Qazaqstan’s 2024 jersey sports a fresh look, incorporating yellow and dark blue patterns that symbolise Kazakhstan’s rich mineral heritage and national flag. The design, which debuted in the last Tour de France, continues its partnership with KAZ Minerals, along with other sponsors like Freedom Broker.

The team’s strategic moves include recruiting 14 new riders while parting ways with 15 others, including Gianni Moscon, David De la Cruz, Fabio Felline, and Luis León Sánchez. Vinokurov remains optimistic, citing the team’s resilience over tough recent years.

In addition to roster changes, Astana Qazaqstan announces a switch to FSA-Vision wheels for the next two seasons, enhancing their performance capabilities. The Vision Metron wheels, known for their aerodynamic design, hand assembly, and advanced carbon technology, are expected to be a key factor in the team’s success.

The 2024 roster boasts 29 riders, including Davide Ballerini, Cees Bol, Mark Cavendish, and Michael Mørkøv, alongside young talents and national champions. With a focus on both sprints and major race goals, Vinokurov is confident about the team’s prospects. Astana Qazaqstan, ready for its 19th WorldTour season, aims high with a strategic blend of experience and emerging talent.