Colombian rider Sebastian Henao (28) and Italian rider Leonardo Basso (27) have signed contracts with the Astana Qazaqstan Team for the upcoming season. Henao has signed a one-year contract for 2022, while Basso has signed a two-year deal for 2022 and 2023.
Henao, who turned pro in 2014, has established himself as a strong team player with extensive Grand Tour experience. Notable results include five participations in the Giro d’Italia and top finishes in various races such as Le Tour de Langkawi, Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, Arctic Race of Norway, and Vuelta a Burgos.
“Honestly, I am really excited to come to Astana. This is a new step for me, a change which I am really looking for to keep on improving as a professional rider. I would like to thank Alexandr Vinokurov for a chance to become a rider of team Astana. I am looking forward to join the team, to see my new teammates, to wear the new jersey, to ride the new bike. I think Astana is the team which can suit me perfectly and I will try to do my all to reach the best possible results together”, – said Sebastian Henao.
Basso, who turned professional in 2018, specializes in classic and one-day races. He has competed in numerous one-day races, achieving impressive results such as fifth place at Coppa Bernocchi, seventh at Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli, and ninth at Trofeo Palma and Trofeo Campos.
“I am really happy to ride for Astana Qazaqstan Team from the next season. This is one of the biggest and oldest teams in the WorldTour and there were many champions who were competing in the jersey of Astana during its long and great history. So, it is a pleasure for me to join this team for the next two years. I am grateful to Alexandr Vinokurov for trusting in me and I hope to repay this trust on the road with my work and dedication. I will give my best to help the team to reach its biggest goals. I am ready to help the leaders to win as much as possible in the upcoming season”, – said Leonardo Basso.
Team manager Alexandr Vinokurov expressed his confidence in the two new signings, stating, “We are looking for reinforcement in our team both for the Grand Tours and classics, and I think that these two riders can suit us in the best way… I would like to welcome Sebastian and Leonardo to Astana Qazaqstan Team and I am looking forward to start working with them ahead of the new season.”
With the addition of Henao and Basso, the Astana Qazaqstan Team aims to strengthen their roster for both Grand Tours and classic races. Fans eagerly await their debut in the team’s jersey for the upcoming season.
