Disappointed Vinokourov was almost kicked out, but now aims for a new start: "I tried to bring in Ayuso and Vlasov"

The XDS Astana Team faces a complicated task. In 2025, everything will revolve around survival in the WorldTour, which could result in a tough fight. Team boss Alexander Vinokourov, however, is hopeful, although there was a chance he was not in the team anymore.

Vinokourov is not blindsided by reality either and understands the precarious situation. "We are far behind in 18th place. But if I didn't believe in it, if the riders didn't believe in it, there would be no point in starting the season. I am optimistic by nature, and I believe that luck will finally turn in our direction," he said in an interview with l'Equipe.

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Vinokourov (left) 

Vinokourov displeased with current situation

Things have moved quickly for the Kazakh squad. In 2019, there were still 37 victories, but in 2025, it is hoping for survival. According to Vinokourov, however, that is down to the team's shareholders. "The team was badly managed, not by my staff, but by the shareholders who knew little about this sport. Unfortunately, we were brought down by internal tensions that we could have avoided if they had followed my vision and experience. But instead, they tried to work me out," the 51-year-old former rider says.

Vinokourov shared more information about the events and alleged jealousy toward him and his sons. Alexey Lutsenko's departure was also blamed on him. "He was criticized in Kazakhstan, but when he announced he was leaving the team (for Israel-Premier Tech), I became the victim of a harsh media campaign. I was accused of doing nothing to keep him. I went through a difficult period."

He goes on to say. "I'm the one who brought Kazakhstan into cycling in 2006, and I think in the last 20 years, the name Astana was mentioned the most thanks to the cycling team. Few people knew where the city and even the country were on the world map before the blue colors of our national flag appeared in the pelotons. In 20 years, we have created a beautiful image of my country thanks to the cycling team," Vinokourov believes.

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Had Ayuso almost been an Astana rider, 

Fresh start should keep XDS Astana from relegation

However, the team boss now wants to make a fresh (re)start. Half of the team has been replaced, and 2025 will focus on gathering points. However, the team does lack a true leader and points master, something that could have been different. "I tried to take over Juan Ayuso's contract," said the former Olympic champion. But the UAE disagreed. "We were also interested in Aleksandr Vlasov, getting him some. If Evenepoel had gone to Red Bull, they would have handed him over to make room for Remco."

However, neither succeeded nor happened. The team suddenly attracted such riders again due to the arrival of a new Chinese sponsor, XDS. This increased the budget to just under thirty million, but there is a possibility that it could skyrocket even further in the coming years. However, WorldTour status is required.

"We have no choice but to stay in the World Tour to secure our future. We can turn the situation around and regain our place among the best. It is a special occasion that we came in contact with XDS as they celebrate their 30th anniversary, and we celebrate our 20th anniversary. It feels like a wonderful marriage," it sounds at the moment.

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