Astana gives Rwandan revelation his WorldTour debut and focuses on the future

The 22-year-old rider from Münster is transferring from Tirol KTM Cycling Team, where he arrived in 2023. After three years with the U23 team, during which he won both a multi-day and a one-day race with the Orlen Nations Grand Prix and the Trofeo San Vendemiano, it is now time for the switch to the WorldTour. XDS Astana is offering Schrettl that opportunity.

You may know the Austrian from his most recent achievement, namely a third place at the U23 World Championships in Rwanda. Italian top talent Lorenzo Finn was supreme there, but Schrettl finished a creditable third, after Swiss rider Jan Huber proved too strong in the battle for silver.

“I am really looking forward to my first professional season with Astana,” said the 22-year-old Austrian. “It's great that such a legendary team is allowing me to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a professional cyclist. I am convinced that Astana is the best place for me to continue my development and learn from experienced professionals.”

“In my first WorldTour season, I want to help the team achieve its goals,” said the Austrian, who is eager to make his debut at the highest level. “Of course, I can't wait to compete in the XDS Astana Team jersey.”

“Marco Schrettl is a talented young rider with great potential, which he demonstrated at the World Championships in Rwanda, where he rode an excellent race,” said team boss Alexandre Vinokourov. “We have followed him throughout the season, which he has completed at a very high level. The timing for his move to the WorldTour couldn't have been better.”

The Kazakh cycling icon, therefore, expresses his confidence in the young Austrian. “I believe that Marco will find everything he needs within the XDS Astana Team to continue his growth and take his first successful steps in the professional peloton,” said the team boss.

Schrettl is only Astana's second signing, who recently managed to acquire Cristián Rodríguez from the disappearing Arkéa-B&B Hotels. As far as departures are concerned, it is not yet too busy at the Kazakh formation. Ide Schelling is retiring, Fausto Masnada has already signed with a Hungarian ProTeam, and Cees Bol has already been announced at Decathlon CMA CGM.