Alexander Vinokourov analyzes Astana Qazaqstan Team ambitions for 2024 season: "We can aim high in the bunch sprint in all kinds of races"

Astana Qazaqstan Team confirms its 2024 roster which includes 14 newcomers and a total of 29 riders will carry the Kazakh team's new colours. In a press release, team manager Alexander Vinokourov talks Astana's new additions and ambitions for upcoming season.

"I believe that we created a well-balanced roster with a good ratio of young talents and experienced riders, well-known and respected in the peloton. So, we are thinking about some big goals in the upcoming season. We got some important experience in the matter of sprint and by strengthening this direction towards 2024 we can aim high in the bunch sprint in all kinds of races," Vinokourov points towards the sprint train built around Mark Cavendish.

"Besides, I believe that with the riders we have and with the riders who come to the team we will be competitive in week-long stage races and the classics. Well, on paper we are missing a rider, who can fight for the General Classification in a Grand Tour, but let’s see, how the season will go on. We have talented strong riders, and we won’t be statists in the Grand Tours."

"After a few tough years we are quite optimistic about the upcoming season, and we are looking forward to begin 2024 in a great way. We understand that alongside the goals of the professional calendar, one of the main starts of the season will be the Olympic Games in Paris, and the team will do all possible to prepare the riders to compete at the Olympics at the highest level. The goals of the National Team of Kazakhstan have always been and remain a priority for Astana Qazaqstan Team, therefore, special attention is and will be paid to the training of athletes and the full technical support of the National Team representing Kazakhstan not only at the Olympics, but also at the Asian Championships, World Championships and Asian Games."