OFFICIAL: Wout Poels replaces Alexey Lutsenko in Astana Qazaqstan team's climbing ranks

Wout Poels will be 37 by the time this season ends, but the vastly experienced Dutchman has no intention of slowing down just yet. For 2025, Poels has now secured himself a contract with the Astana Qazaqstan Team.

“I am excited about my move to Astana Qazaqstan Team. The team has been in the professional peloton for many years, with an impressive number of major victories, and it’s great to join such a group," says Poels in conversation with his new employers' official website. "Next year, I want to show the best of what I am capable of. I have a dream – to win a stage in the Giro d’Italia and thus join the list of riders who have won stages in all three Grand Tours."

Whilst Poels has taken just one win this year (a stage of the Tour de Hongrie ed.), in 2023, the Dutchman arguably had his most successful year yet, winning stages of both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana, proving he can still more than compete at the highest level. "I am looking forward to the moment I can join the team," he concludes. "Astana Qazaqstan Team already has Dutch riders, Cees Bol and Ide Schelling, and it will be great to be in the same team with them. I want to finish this season on a high note and approach the new year at 100%"

“With Wout Poels, we are gaining a very experienced and strong rider who can both support other riders and contribute to the team’s strategy from within the race as a captain, while also fighting for victories and podiums in both stage races and the classics," adds Alexander Vinokurov, General Manager of Astana Qazaqstan Team. "For Astana Qazaqstan Team, this is a strong reinforcement for the mountains and week-long stage races. I believe that in our team, Wout Poels will have a great chance to prove himself and achieve the goals he sets for himself, as well as those set by the team.”