Chinese cyclists will ride XDS bikes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In a move set to transform the landscape of Chinese cycling, the Kazakh team of Astana and Shenzhen-based cycling brand Xidesheng (XDS) Carbon-Tech have signed tentative deals to establish a world-class team primed to take on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) WorldTour, Shenzhen Guangming WeChat account reported.
The parties have signed an agreement, pending approval from the relevant national authorities. If approved, XDS will become the first Chinese team to compete at the highest level of international cycling.
The announcement came hot on the heels of cycling legend Mark Cavendish's historic victory at the fifth stage of the 2024 Tour de France on July 3, securing his 35th stage win and etching his name in history as the record holder for the most Tour de France victories.
Astana riders, with Cavendish at the helm, are set to ride XDS bikes in future Tour de France competitions, marking a significant moment as a Chinese mainland brand makes its debut on this prestigious global stage.
Executives from XDS and management of the Astana team finalized the partnership agreement July 5. The move is poised to revolutionize Chinese cycling by offering Chinese riders the opportunity to train with the Astana team, enhancing their competitive edge and paving the way for Chinese cyclists to excel on the world stage.
XDS Carbon-Tech
XDS, a trailblazer in the Chinese cycling industry based in Shenzhen's Guangming District, has a rich history of innovation and excellence since its establishment in 1995. The brand's initiatives, including the establishment of the XDS Intercontinental Cycling Team and the Shenzhen XDS Cycling Team, have showcased the prowess of Chinese cyclists on the international stage.
Guangming District has hosted high-profile events like the Chinese Mountain Bike Open and the XDS Cup International Road Cycling Race, with the latter winning recognition as one of the Top 10 High-Level Sports Events in Shenzhen in 2023.
Astana Pro Team
The Astana Pro Team, a powerhouse in professional cycling, is on the brink of a major transformation thanks to the cooperation agreement with XDS. This move comes amidst the team's struggle to maintain its WorldTour status, with the gap between the side and the 18th-ranked Team dsm-firmenich PostNL seeming insurmountable.
Currently, Astana sits almost 4,000 points behind, but with the potential injection of funds, a new era could be on the horizon. Reports suggest that the Shenzhen-based company will become a major investor for a period ranging from five to 10 years, leading to a potential rebranding of the team as a Chinese-registered entity from 2025.
This partnership could see a massive increase in the team's budget, allowing them to compete with other super teams such as UAE Team Emirates. Astana's team manager, Alexandre Vinokourov, is poised to sign top-tier riders, ensuring the team's competitiveness and potentially paving the way for Chinese cyclists to make their mark in the WorldTour.
While some Chinese riders have already shown promise in continental races, such as Hu Haijie from Shenzhen XDS Cycling Team, the rebranding of the Astana Pro Team could open doors for more Chinese talent to enter the professional cycling scene.