Vinokourov keeps core point scorers intact and extends contract of Liège–Bastogne–Liège fourth-place finisher

Velasco switched to Astana from Gazprom-Rusvelo after 2021. In his first years with the Kazakh team, he already rode to commendable podium finishes and victories, including fifth place in the 2023 GP Montreal and a win in the Italian championship. He also rode to podium places several times in the Giro d'Italia, on various terrains.

In 2025, however, the all-rounder took a new step. A strong spring was crowned with a fourth place in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. In the Tour de France, the Italian was very aggressive, finishing fourth in the 20th stage. In the fall, Velasco was a key factor for the team, with third places in the Giro della Romagna and the Coppa Agostoni, and a fifth place in the Giro del Veneto.

Of all the Astana riders, only Christian Scaroni is ahead of Velasco in terms of UCI points this year—reason enough for the team to extend his contract until 2027. “After four seasons with the team, I feel my career is developing in the right direction,” he says on his team's website. “I’m happy to keep improving as a professional rider with XDS Astana Team.”

“This year I took another step forward and achieved several results I can be proud of. Yes, I missed a victory, although I came close a few times, but overall, it was a strong season for the entire team – where I didn’t win, my teammates did. In any case, next season I’ll aim for victory in every race or fully support my teammates.”

General manager Alexandre Vinokourov sees Velasco as a crucial player for the future. “Simone Velasco is one of those riders who have become strongly associated with our team, always performing at a consistently high level each season. Simone is someone we can always rely on to deliver results. He has grown significantly with us, and it’s great that his career continues in XDS Astana Team. This year he came close to the podium at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and that’s a great goal for him in the upcoming seasons.”