Astana Qazaqstan Team is set to bolster its leadership with the appointment of Australian former professional cyclist Mark Renshaw as Sports Director from the 2024 season. Renshaw, aged 40, who has previously worked with the team as a sprint and lead-out consultant, notably during the last Tour de France, is poised to bring his expertise to the team in a more permanent capacity.
Renshaw shared his enthusiasm for the role, stating his eagerness to return to professional cycling at an elite level. Reflecting on his experience at the Tour de France with the Astana Qazaqstan outfit, he expressed a strong belief that he can guide the team’s riders to significant victories. He extended his gratitude to his family for their support and to Alexandr Vinokurov for the opportunity to impart his experience and knowledge to the team. With aspirations set high for 2024, Renshaw is keen to commence his role in leading the team to achieve their ambitious goals.
On the other hand, Alexandr Vinokurov, General Manager of Astana Qazaqstan Team, recounted the positive impact Renshaw had during his stint at the Tour de France. Vinokurov noted that Renshaw’s contributions were invaluable not only in sprints but also in broader race strategy. Post-Tour discussions revealed a shared vision for the team’s development, with Vinokurov confident that Renshaw’s fresh and modern perspective on cycling will be instrumental in driving the team’s continuous improvement.
The team officially expressed its anticipation of Renshaw’s transition to the Sports Director role, a move that’s expected to inject a new dynamic into the team’s race preparation and strategic execution. This will be especially key with Mark Cavendish returning for another tilt at the Tour de France stage wins record in 2024.
Main photo credit: SprintCycling
