"At the end of the Vuelta we will make the decision" - Vinokourov looking to make changes and new transfers within Astana

Whilst several World Tour teams have plenty riders signed in the long-term and are heavily investing in new talents and under-23 riders, Astana Qazaqstan Team are one of the teams where that change has not been seen much. Team manager Alexander Vinokourov is determined to change that however, eyeing some moves into the 2023 season.

In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Vinokourov has talked about possible changes within the Kazakh team: "We are looking for climbers and young sprinters who can pull off his plan without a train. I already have a few ideas, at the end of the Vuelta we will make the decision. We are also looking for young riders. In the Tour de l'Avenir I followed many young talents, but it is difficult to get someone there". Astana have experienced a very difficult season, largely absent from the sprinter, classics and time-trial fields, but also lacking any big win to show for in their 2022 season campaign - which includes only four wins, half of them being the Kazakh nationals, and none at World Tour level.

With that in mind, Vinokourov is looking to make changes within the team, which has largely benefited from strong 2020 and 2021 seasons that have safeguarded them from having to fight for UCI points this season unlike many others. "Today, juniors already work with managers. For next season I have a maximum of five or six places, so I can't make a mistake," he said, admitting some focus in the new generation where many teams are heavily investing.

Financially however, he points out that the team is secure. “We are good for three years. Of course, when you talk about global budgets, it's hard to compete with Ineos, UAE and Jumbo-Visma. You need thirty million for that and we are far from that. Our budget is twenty million, that's no secret," he said. However with no meaningful transfer yet, the pressure is on for Vinokourov's team to gather new talent and new riders who can take up responsibilities within the team.

Astana currently have Miguel Ángel López showing good form at the Vuelta a Espana which has given the team good signs regarding the final part of the season. “That would be wonderful. And why not a podium?” he said regarding the possibilities of finishing in a Top5, a very real scenario for the Colombian if he keeps his rising form trend.