Mikkel Honoré on the move? - XDS Astana reportedly set to make move for Danish rider despite serious injuries after crash

Mikkel Honoré may be only focusing on a return to racing after suffering horror injuries in a recent crash, but with his contract ending at the end of the season, he could be on the move.

XDS Astana is a potential rumoured destination for the 29-year-old, with it potentially being an attractive prospect due to their focus on stages, placings and one-day results. The team has found success in its formula of chasing UCI points, but has continued in 2026, providing its riders with varied calendars and frequent opportunities - both in smaller races where wins can be taken, and bigger races where the biggest competitors are present.

According to Ciro Scognamiglio of Gazzetta dello Sport, Honoré is a target for XDS Astana and with his contract up at the end of the season, and the move is considered very possible.

The Dane crashed hard in the final phase of Heistse Pijl earlier this month, suffering a dozen fractures and a collapsed lung. The Belgian race was nearing its end when, with 6 kilometers to go, Honoré rode directly into road furniture, unable to avoid it as the peloton moved at high speed in the urban environment.

He was taken directly to intensive care unit to map out the extent and treat the worst of his injuries. EF Education-EasyPost DS for the race, Sep Vanmarcke listed the injuries afterwards: "Mikkel is stable, but he has broken seven ribs, three vertebrae and his collarbone. He is also dealing with a collapsed lung. That is very tough and it will be a long recovery."

However, it has been reported that he is undergoing surgery for a broken collarbone and allowing his other injuries to heal naturally.

The Danish rider was highly likely to race the Tour de France this summer and his injuries come as an obstacle to the American team's ambitions. Honoré's season up until this point has not been much to talk about, but this massive setback could confirm 2026 as Honoré's worst year in a very long time.

In 2021, Honoré drew attention with the podium finishes at Bretagne Classic and Clasica San Sebastian, but has since taken up a role of a teammate who occasionally displays those signs of brilliance, just like with his 12th place at brutal World Championships in Kigali, or a top-3 atop Nongla at Tour of Guangxi last year.