"If Tadej attacks, I will turn the other way" - XDS Astana leader mixing ambition with realism as team announce line-up for Vuelta a Espana
CyclingMonday, 17 August 2026 at 16:45
XDS Astana are mixing ambition with realism as Lorenzo Fortunato leads their squad at the Vuelta a Espana. The mountains jersey is the big goal for the team as they also bring new signing Victor Langelotti to the race and a Grand Tour debutant.
Fortunato leads their lines in search of stage wins and the prestigious mountain classification, with the experienced Italian climber insisting that he won't be tempted by Tadej Pogacar's presence among the general classification.
Joining Fortunato, former Giro d'Italia mountain classification winner, is former INEOS man Victor Langelotti after his August 1st transfer. The Monaco native is joined by experienced riders such as Harold Tejada and Cristina Rodriguez in search of stage wins.
"My goals are to win at least one stage and stand on the podium in Granada wearing the mountain jersey," Fortunato said in an interview with Tuttobici. The Italian also noted stage four's mountains test as a jumping point to announce his climbing intentions in Spain.
Fortunato targets stage wins and mountain classification
"If Tadej attacks, I will turn the other way. I have my sights set on the fourth stage with the finish in Andorra-la-Vella. It is a place that brings me luck: last year I finished third in Andorra. This year we are climbing from a different side, but it is still ideal for me."
Darren Van Bekkum makes his Grand Tour debut at 24 after signing with the team last season. Elsewhere, there's space for Yevgeniy Fedorov, Henok Mulubrhan and Alessandro Romele in the line-up.
The race kicks off on Saturday with a short time trial in Monaco before the route takes riders across the South of France and into Spain and Andorra. The majority of the second and third weeks will take place in the south of the country before a Granada finish on September 13th.
XDS Astana
XDS Astana at the Vuelta a Espana
| Cyclist | Nationality |
| Lorenzo Fortunato | Italy |
| Yevgeniy Fedorov | Kazakhstan |
| Victor Langellotti | Monaco |
| Henok Mulubrhan | Eritrea |
| Alessandro Romele | Italy |
| Cristián Rodríguez | Spain |
| Harold Tejada | Colombia |
| Darren Van Bekkum | Netherlands |
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- Best wishes for next year, young man, as you finalize your contract with the **CMA CGM Team**. But for 2028, don’t chase the money—chase the **legacy**. Join EF Education–EasyPost; hopefully by then they’ll have a sponsor big enough to afford you! They’re the kind of team that could build a team around your growth and give you the weapons to take down Pogi and Del Toro. The money will come eventually, but **legacy lasts forever—and maybe you can finally bring France another Tour de France champion after more than 40 years!wambo17-08-2026
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- Hmm, the butterfly effect sounds interesting.Hills3317-08-2026
- He finishes top 10 and maybe a podium on a stage. Can't see him beating Tadej for sure.mij17-08-2026
- that's what I would call a word salad, that makes no sense.Crashjames17-08-2026
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