Marco Schrettl will make his debut in the professional peloton in 2026. The 22-year-old Austrian has signed a three-year contract with XDS Astana after a strong season.
For Schrettl, it is the ultimate reward after an outstanding season in the U23 ranks. His most eye-catching result came in the autumn, at the World Championships in African Rwanda. In the U23 road race, he was one of the strongest riders, only yielding to world champion Lorenzo Finn and Swiss surprise Jan Huber.
His bronze World Championship medal was not his only sporting highlight in 2025, as Schrettl also won the prestigious Orlen Nations Grand Prix, became Austrian U23 road champion, triumphed in the Trofeo San Vendemiano, and earned podium finishes at the Giro del Belvedere and the GP Palio del Recioto.
"I am really looking forward to my first pro season with XDS Astana Team," says Schrettl, who has signed for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons in a press release from his new team. "It’s amazing that such a legendary team is giving me the chance to fulfill my childhood dream—becoming a professional cyclist. I’m sure the Astana jersey will captivate me."
A beaming Schrettl (right) with his bronze World Championship medal - photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
"Marco Schrettl is a talented young rider with a lot of potential, as he showed at the World Championships in Rwanda, where he rode an excellent race," team manager Alexander Vinokourov said enthusiastically. "We followed him throughout the season. The timing for his move to the WorldTour couldn’t be better. I believe Marco will find everything he needs within our team to continue his development."
Marco Schrettl| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2028 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2026 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2024 |
