OFFICIAL: Astana lose long-term leader Alexey Lutsenko who bolsters Israel - Premier Tech's climbing team

Movements in the cycling market continue to happen and the latest is the transfer of Alexey Lutsenko, who is leaving his long-term home team Astana Qazaqstan Team for Israel - Premier Tech. A transfer similar to that of Guillaume Martin who recently also announced his move to Groupama - FDJ.

Thus, the Kazakh leaves the Astana Qazaqstan Team to sign for Israel - Premier Tech for two seasons. Lutsenko has spent 12 years in Alexander Vinokourov's team since he became a pro in 2013. At 31 years old, he leaves with victories in the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, 2 top 10s in the Grande Boucle and overall wins in Oman and the Artic Race - among other results in the hilly, cobbled classics and also stage-races.

"After 12 great years with Astana, I am looking for the motivation I need to reach new goals," Lutsenko commented in a press release announcing his departure from his lifelong team. He believes that in Israel he will have the opportunity to take a leap forward in a career that had been somewhat stalled in recent seasons that have not been easy for the Kazakh team:

"Sometimes you need to get out of your comfort zone to achieve something new. I have nothing but good things to say about my time with Astana Qazaqstan Team, I achieved a lot and I am grateful to this team, but I feel I have potential to do more in a new environment. I have many friends among the staff and riders of Israel - Premier Tech and I have seen how fast the team has developed in a short time. I believe that in the future, it will only get stronger and talking to the team management, I see their interest in the growth of the team, including me, and how I can contribute to it."