Simone Velasco stays at XDS Astana and explains his choice

The relationship, which began in 2022, between Simone Velasco and XDS Astana will continue for two more seasons: the 2023 Italian inline champion has in fact renewed with the Kazakh team, which has chosen to believe in him again after a year that, although without victories, saw the 29-year-old achieve important placings such as fourth place at Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

“After four seasons with this team, I feel that my career is taking the right direction – said Velasco -I am happy to continue growing as a professional with XDS Astana. This year I took another step forward, getting several results that I can be proud of. True, I missed winning, but on some occasions I came close”.

“Overall it was a solid season for the whole team: where I did not win, my teammates won. In any case, next year I will aim for success, continuing to support my teammates to the fullest” then concluded the Italian rider, professional since 2016 and winner, with the Astata jersey, not only of the Italian road championships in 2023 but also, in the same year, of a stage of the Tour of the Valencian Community.

Satisfied with the renewal also the team’s general manager, Alexandre Vinokourov: “Velasco is one of those riders who now identify with our team, offering high-level performances every season. Simone is an athlete we can always count on, he has grown a lot with us and we are happy that his career continues with XDS Astana. This year he came close to the podium at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, he will be an important goal for the coming seasons”.