The UCI WorldTour team Astana – Premier Tech will undergo a name change in 2022 and will be known as Astana Qazaqstan Team. The decision is aimed at representing the country of Kazakhstan on the international stage and promoting domestic cycling.
The new name, Qazaqstan, is a more accurate transcription of Kazakhstan in English, representing the country’s rich traditions, language, culture, and development strategy in today’s world.
“Starting from 2022 our cycling team will go on under the new name Astana Qazaqstan Team, a name which is very important to our country. The name of our state will appear on the cyclists’ jerseys and in the new team logo, and it will become a kind of sign of the continuation of traditions and, at the same time, a moment of change and renewal for the sake of two important goals: promotion of the image of our country all around the world and development of domestic cycling. The project is getting a second wind and is preparing for a new turn in its development. I would like to express my special gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan as well as to the Professional Sports Club Astana, which actively support the team. I am happy with the fact that Kazakhstan Cycling Federation is going to play an important role in the development of the renewed team and the implementation of ambitious plans, which will be announced in the nearest future. Also, I am happy that our federation will be presented both in the Board of Directors and in the management of Astana Qazaqstan Team. We envisage strengthening the team’s work with the federation in the transfer of professional skills to domestic athletes and specialists as well as deeper participation of Astana Qazaqstan Team in the life of Kazakhstan cycling,” – said Nurlan Smagulov, President of Kazakhstan Cycling Federation.
“I am happy that our team will continue its development under the new Astana Qazaqstan Team brand, and it is an honor for me to return to the leadership of this team as a General Manager. For the past 16 years, the Astana Cycling Project has been the hallmark of our country in the world of sports, and I would like to thank the leadership of Kazakhstan for many years of support and trust. Astana Qazaqstan Team is not just a new team name, it is an updated project philosophy emphasizing closer integration of our sports brand and promotion of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a major international partner. In the current period, preparations for the new season and the registration of the team in the top division are in full swing. Beside this we are working on an additional project, which we will announce soon,” – said Alexandr Vinokurov, General Manager of Astana Qazaqstan Team.
The Astana Qazaqstan Team aims to strengthen its collaboration with the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation to enhance the development of domestic athletes and specialists and further contribute to the cycling community in Kazakhstan.
Further details and ambitious plans for the team’s future will be announced in the near future.
