We will no longer see Alexandr Vinokourov Jr. in the cycling peloton in 2026. As a rider, that is, because the 23-year-old Kazakh remains involved in the sport in another capacity and with XDS Astana. He is taking on the role of a 'sports director in training.'
After completing the UCI team manager course and passing his exam successfully, Vinokourov Jr. now holds his sports director credentials. Starting next year, he will join XDS Astana as a trainee sporting director. During his internship, he will "work closely with the experienced sporting directors of the WorldTour and continental teams and actively participate with the team's performance group," the statement says.
"Over the past seasons, Alex suffered from various injuries, and his last injury turned out to be very serious. Yes, he showed great character and made a comeback by racing for the continental team in several events, but his decision to end his career is completely understandable," said former pro rider Alexandr Shefer, the main team manager within the XDS Astana structure, in a press release.
Another perspective
"At the same time, it’s fantastic that Alex chose to stay in the cycling world, finished his studies, passed his exams successfully, and is now looking forward optimistically to a new role. His internship with both squads – the WorldTour and the continental branch – will give him the necessary experience and confidence and the opportunity to understand how professional cycling works from the other side."
Vinokourov Jr. was still active as a rider this year, but was involved in an accident in Greece in March. The son of the team boss of XDS Astana collided with a car that suddenly appeared around a corner. Hospital examinations revealed that he had sustained a fracture in his femur. Specifically, it was a fracture in the right femoral neck—the piece of bone connecting the thigh bone to the hip joint.
After about six months of rehabilitation, Vinokourov returned to the peloton but continued to suffer from the aftermath of his crash. Thus, at a very young age, the curtains closed for the Kazakh. Over the past four seasons, he rode for the development team of XDS Astana.
