Astana confirm signing of Chinese rider Haoyu Su - "The arrival of a new rider from China mainland was only a matter of time"

XDS Astana Team, now under their new name, have completed their squad for the 2025 season. As had been previously reported, the team has signed a Chinese rider after inking a big deal with the new Chinese title sponsor. Haoyu Su marks the return of the Asian nation to World Tour level.

It is a transfer that has not come without it's controversy, as the Kazakh team fell under quite a lot of criticism recently over the demotion of Russian sprinter Gleb Syritsa to it's continental team. Ultimately, it won't mean many calendar changes but it prevents one of the team leaders from competing at World Tour level and was a decision made with the intention of opening up space for Su's entry in the team.

"For Gleb, it’s important to have the chance to pursue his own ambitions, which he will have with the Development team," team manager Aleksandr Vinokourov previously said. Now, the signing of the 24-year old brings in the final piece of the puzzle for Astana's 2025 lineup.

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“It is a great honor to join XDS Astana Team and bring China mainland back to the WorldTour – the top league in professional cycling," Su said in a press release issued by the team. "This is a huge step for me, and I am thankful for this unique opportunity. There is much work ahead, and I aim to gain experience in European racing. I will give my best to represent China at the highest level and contribute to the team’s goals in every race I take part in”.

Vinokourov also explained the decision to make this signing. “Several Chinese riders have competed in the WorldTour, and the arrival of a new rider from China mainland was only a matter of time. With XDS joining as a major investor, it is fitting that through our team, China mainland returns to the global professional scene. Su is young and still needs some experience in top-level racing, but he has potential and, most importantly, the determination to grow. I believe he will support us in key races in Asia and Europe”.

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