XDS Astana Team Signs Spanish Climber Urko Berrade
The WorldTour squad added Berrade to its roster and extended Anton Kuzmin's contract through 2027.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Cycling
XDS Astana Team has signed Spanish rider Urko Berrade, adding him to its WorldTour squad. The team also extended the contract of Anton Kuzmin for one more season, through 2027.
Why it matters
Berrade is a strong climber who can help fill one of the positions that became available in the team. His signing strengthens the squad's roster for upcoming WorldTour races.
Berrade placed second on a 2026 Vuelta a España stage and third at the Spanish National Championships road race, with a fourth-place overall finish at the Giro di Sardegna. The extraction does not detail his contract length or salary.
The players
XDS Astana Team
A professional cycling team based in Astana, Kazakhstan, competing at the UCI WorldTour level.
Urko Berrade
A Spanish professional cyclist and climber who finished in the top ten of several major stage races in 2026.
Anton Kuzmin
A rider whose contract with XDS Astana Team was extended through 2027.
Alexandr Vinokurov
The General Manager of XDS Astana Team, a former professional cyclist and team leader.
The details
Berrade won a Vuelta a España stage in 2024 and the Clàssica Camp de Morvedre in 2025. The team said it followed his 2026 season closely, and his main goal next year will be to gain experience and learn from teammates, coaches and sports directors.
Timeline
2024: Berrade won a Vuelta a España stage.
2025: Berrade won the Clàssica Camp de Morvedre one-day race.
2026: Berrade recorded podium finishes at the Vuelta and Giro races.
- 2026-11-02
XDS Astana Team announced Berrade's signing.
2027: Berrade plans to gain experience with the team.
Season Trajectory
Berrade's signing reflects the UCI WorldTour's roster rules, under which teams must fill spots with riders who can deliver top results across stage races. His 2026 podiums at the Vuelta and Giro place him among the climbers XDS Astana Team is building around for the coming seasons.
Fantasy cycling players and fans following WorldTour rosters can note that Berrade joins XDS Astana Team as a climber for the coming season. Kuzmin's extension through 2027 means his role with the squad is set for the next two seasons.
The takeaway
Berrade's results across the 2026 season show consistent strength in stage races, making him a rider worth watching as he adapts to the WorldTour. Following team announcements and race results is the best way to track how his role develops.
Further reading
Explore more cycling coverage for context on the WorldTour teams and riders featured in this signing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Qazinform.
