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OFFICIAL: XDS Astana sweep up former Vuelta stage winner on two-year deal after seven seasons with former team

Cycling
Urko Berrade Vuelta a España
Urko Berrade will compete in the WorldTour for the next two seasons. The 28-year-old rider from Navarre has agreed to join XDS Astana from 2027, with his contract running through the end of 2028. The Spaniard will take on a new challenge in his professional career after establishing himself as one of Spain’s most consistent riders last season.
The signing follows an impressive 2026, in which Berrade produced strong results during his seven seasons with Kern Pharma. Highlights included second place on a stage of the Vuelta a España, third in the Spanish National Road Race Championships and third at the Clàssica Terres de l'Ebre. His performances have caught the eye of a team looking to strengthen its options for the coming seasons.
The Navarrese rider also impressed in several stage races. He finished fourth overall at the Giro di Sardegna, sixth at the Baku-Khankendi Azerbaijan Cycling Tour and eighth at the Tour de l'Occitanie. Those results underline his consistency and climbing ability, qualities that convinced the Kazakh team’s management.
Berrade also has two particularly notable victories to his name. In 2024, he claimed his first Grand Tour stage win at the Vuelta a España, then won the Clàssica Camp de Morvedre in 2025. Now, after several seasons as a professional, he will have the chance to take the next step and regularly test himself against the world’s best teams.

Berrade delighted to make WorldTour step-up

The rider said he was delighted to join a team competing at the highest international level. “I’m very happy to take the next step and join the WorldTour with a team like XDS Astana. It’s a huge opportunity, and I want to thank the team management for giving me this chance. I’ll do everything I can to repay their confidence with my results,” Berrade said in comments released by the team.
The Spaniard also outlined his priorities for his first season with the Kazakh team. He aims to gain experience, learn from his new teammates, coaches and sports directors, and continue to improve.
“I’m ready to give everything to help the team wherever needed and do all I can to achieve our goals. Of course, I’ll also try to make the most of any opportunity to show what I can do,” he added.

Vinokourov believes in his climbing potential

XDS Astana general manager Alexandr Vinokurov said the team had been following the Navarrese rider’s progress for some time. He singled out Berrade’s performances throughout the season and his ride at the Vuelta a España, where he came close to claiming the second stage victory of his career at the Spanish Grand Tour.
“He’s a strong climber who can help us fill one of the positions available in the team. We still need to assess his full potential and see how he performs in different roles, but I believe he has everything it takes to become a solid WorldTour professional,” Vinokurov said.
From 2027, Berrade will take on the biggest challenge of his career, with two seasons to prove himself at the sport’s highest level.
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