Astana Kazakstan announced that it has signed Fausto Masnada to a one-year contract for the 2025 season.

The Italian transfers from Soudal-QuickStep and becomes Astana's 12th contracted player.

Masnada joins a long list of signings, including Sergio Iguita (Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe), Wout Poels (Bahrain Victorious), Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates), and Clement Champoussin (Alcare-B&B Hotels).

Mark Cavendish and Alexey Lutsenko were team leaders of Astana Kazakstan in 2024, but Lutsenko has moved to Israel Premier Tech, and the Manxman will finish his racing career at the Tour de France criterium in Saitama and Singapore. Finishing his career.

“If you had told me a few weeks ago that I would be joining the Astana Kazakstan team next year, I probably wouldn't have believed you.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity and excited to be a part of such a respected team. After two difficult seasons, this is a great opportunity to reset and pursue new goals."

“The project the team is building for 2025 is incredibly exciting and I can't wait to contribute to its success. I am grateful to the directors and everyone involved in making this deal happen and for their trust in me. I can't wait to put on my new jersey and represent the team.”

Masnada will form a strong Italian contingent in the new team. Ulissi, Nicola Conti, Alessandro Romere, and Florian Cajamini are on the list of Italian players for 2025, Alberto Bettiol, Michele Gazzoli, Matteo Marcelli, Cristian Scaroni, and Lorenzo Fortunato, Simone Velasco join the roster.

A climbing specialist, Masnada has six wins in his eight-year professional career, including stages at the 2018 Tour of Hainan, Tour of the Alps, and Tour of Oman. But his greatest achievement to date was winning the sixth stage of the 2019 Giro d'Italia in San Giovanni Rotondo from a breakaway group.

“We are happy to welcome Fausto Masnada to the Astana Kazakstan team,” said Astana general manager Alexandre Vinokurov.

“Fausto is an experienced rider with great results in stage races, mountain stages, and one-day classics.

“I am convinced that his potential is not exhausted yet. He has faced some difficulties in the last few seasons, but I believe that within our team he can reach his full potential and return to a high level."

“His determination, work ethic, and ability to perform on a difficult course fit perfectly with the goals we are pursuing. We look forward to and expect to see him race in our team jersey for the first time.”