L'Equipe: "Vinokourov and Astana on the verge of closing XXL deal with Chinese businessman"

Astana Qazaqstan Team is having a less than stellar season and the Kazakh outfit is having some issues behind the scenes, but according to L'Equipe, a lifeboat appears to be on the horizon. A Chinese investor is reportedly willing to buy the license of Alexander Vinokourov’s team.

The WorldTour license of Astana Qazaqstan Team expires at the end of 2025, and currently, the team is on course for relegation due to a lack of points. However, L'Equipe reports that a Chinese businessman is interested in taking over Vinokourov's license and project for a period of five years. This would involve doubling the current budget.

Vinokourov and his team have had to deal with budgetary issues over the past few years, prompted by higher authorities in Kazakhstan. On several occasions, riders and staff have had to wait for their salaries, while the team’s successes no longer match the possibilities within the current cycling world.

Astana has been a successful team for nearly two decades

Astana has been active in the cycling peloton since 2006 and has won eight grand tours, including the Tour de France twice: in 2009 with Alberto Contador and in 2014 with Vincenzo Nibali. Currently, Mark Cavendish is the team's star, as the Brit is aiming for his 35th stage win in the Tour de France in July, which would set a new all-time record.

The Chinese are eyeing Astana Qazaqstan Team's spot in the cycling circuit with a substantial amount of money. If the Kazakh authorities agree to a sale, they intend to boost the budget to be among the better ones in the peloton. Additionally, the team would undergo significant changes, as 18 of the 29 contracts at Astana are set to expire.