The 2025 cycling season will feature a new team that will have new bikes and 12 new riders, whereas one established rider of the tour will remain with his current employers for another year.
It has been reported that Astana Qazaqstan will no longer be the main name of the team, with carbon product manufacturer XDS Carbon-Tech taking up a position as part of it. They will subsequently be called XdS Carbon-Tech – Astana Qazaqstan, as per reports.
Alongside this news, it has been reported that there will be a whole new team and equipment. It’s been confirmed that they will have 12 new riders coming into the team in 2025, which could make them an appealing proposition for those who like to wager on the sport. Betway offers many different odds across various markets for cyclist enthusiasts, and the team will be looking to be more competitive than they were this year.
The Chinese company has been one of the biggest investors for the sports team, and as they look to make “significant changes” to operations, it appears one area is in regard to their name moving forward. It will be the first time since 2007 that Astana won’t be the first name as the title of the team.
The changes have been put in place ahead of the 2025 cycling season to try and gain their WorldTour spot ahead of the campaign. They’ve struggled throughout the current campaign, which has led them to be fighting for their place from relegation.
Mark Cavendish retired recently after securing a record 35th stage win at the Tour de France, meaning new point scorers are needed. With Diego Ulissi, Wout Poels, Mike Teunissen and Sergio Higuita on board, they will take up the mantle and be the main focus of the team.
While there will be plenty of change taking place for XdS Carbon-Tech – Astana Qazaqstan, it has been revealed that Movistar will be keeping a familiar face around for a little longer.
Nairo Quintana has decided to extend his contract with the team by a further year, making him a crucial player for their 2025 season. The Colombian is a double Grand Tour winner, and is a favorite with bettors when they use Betway for their cycling betting needs.
A climbing specialist, he has won the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. He may be turning 35 in February, but Movistar appear to believe he still has plenty to offer them. Having been dismissed by Arkéa-Samsic in 2022 for a failed drugs test, he would miss the 2023 season altogether before being signed by Movistar for the 2024 season.
He was mainly a support act for the team, although he struggled to have a consistent season. He experienced bouts of illness and had several injuries that hampered his progress.
Speaking about his aims for the year ahead, Quintana noted that he wanted to obtain more continuity and help Enric Mas achieve the best possible placing in the three-week races that would be competed in. He also stated that he wanted to help the team to accumulate as many WorldTour points as possible.
