15/12/2022

Could Mark Cavendish join Astana? "What really matters is if he's motivated" Vinokourov says

Mark Cavendish is not an easy catch for the current teams due to the necessary budget, but also the need for leadout men and the clear Tour de France availability. Could he find it at Astana Qazaqstan Team? Alexandre Vinokourov has talked about the possibility, with good signs.

"I thought about Mark right away," Vinokourov, former pro and now manager of the Kazakh team told Cyclingnews upon the collapse of B&B Hotels-KTM where he was set to ride in 2023. "I gave him a phone call saying if he was free then we could talk. It's true he's what? 35 or 36? But what really matters is if he's motivated. I won the Olympic Games when I was nearing 40."

Primoz Roglic disappointed with "my worst season so far" but hoping to recover towards 2023

Following the termination of Miguel Ángel López' contract due to his connections with doctor Marcos Maynar, the leader of a now dismantled doping ring in Spain, the team now find themselves with enough free budget to sign a new leader. The Colombian had been the top performer in 2022 for the team.

"Astana have never had a really big sprinter. We've always focused on the stage races, not so much at that. But now there's the chance of breaking the record in the number of Tour wins," Vinokourov said, clearly stating interest. Not many teams have stated that in recent months, however it is reported that the Manxman is in contacts with American team Human Powered Health.

"I couldn't be at my best to make use of it" - Sam Bennett shares reasons for 'frustrating' season

Although Astana is a team that in recent years has had far from a strong set of sprinters, even before the rumours emerged they have set up a decent lineup for 2023. With Russian talent Gleb Syritsa impressing and taking his first pro win this summer as a trainee, and the signing of Martin Laas from BORA - hansgrohe, Cavendish would not be without support.

The possibility of signing more riders could also be on the table, as examples are Cees Bol and Max Richeze who are also on a hunt for a contract following the B&B Hotels bust. "We'd have to reach a full agreement. For the moment, nothing is decided. Now it's up to his people to take a step forward. I hope so," he concluded.