XDS-Astana Prioritizes Wins Over UCI Points in 2026 Campaign

XDS-Astana has signaled a shift in strategy for the 2026 season, moving away from a singular focus on accumulating UCI points, despite a significant one-day gain of 1,068 points achieved on Wednesday. This change comes after a successful 2025 campaign where the team secured its WorldTour status.

A Change in Focus

In 2025, XDS-Astana rallied to earn 6,727 UCI points and 32 wins, finishing fourth in the rankings among teams vying for the 18 WorldTour licenses for the following three years. Now, team director Dmitry Fofonov has stated that the priority is returning to a focus on winning races, rather than strategically pursuing points.

Did You Know? XDS-Astana needed to overcome a nearly 5,000-point deficit to secure its WorldTour license for the 2026-2028 cycle.

Early Success in 2026

The team has already demonstrated strong performance in 2026, securing six wins. Cristian Scaroni’s victory at the Tour of Oman, finishing ahead of teammate Cristían Rodríguez, propelled XDS-Astana to second place in the UCI rankings with 2,447.7 points, trailing only UAE Team Emirates-XRG.

A Past Strategy

Fofonov explained that the team’s previous emphasis on UCI points was a temporary measure necessitated by their precarious position last year. He stated that, for 14 years prior, the team had not focused on points accumulation, prioritizing race wins instead. The team’s current success allows them to revert to this approach.

Expert Insight: The shift in strategy suggests XDS-Astana believes it has secured a stable position within the WorldTour and can now prioritize long-term sporting success over short-term license requirements. This could indicate a confidence in their rider roster and team structure.

Looking Ahead

XDS-Astana aims to continue competing at the WorldTour level beyond the current three-year cycle. Fofonov indicated that while points will likely come as a natural consequence of winning, the primary goal will be to secure victories, particularly in top-tier races like the Ardennes Classics. The team acknowledges that a new three-year cycle is beginning, allowing for potential point recovery in future seasons if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was XDS-Astana’s UCI point total after their recent success?

XDS-Astana currently has 2,447.7 UCI points, placing them second in the rankings behind UAE Team Emirates-XRG.

How many wins did XDS-Astana achieve in 2025?

XDS-Astana secured 32 wins in 2025.

What prompted the change in strategy for XDS-Astana?

The team’s improved position in the UCI rankings and the start of a new three-year cycle have allowed them to shift their focus back to prioritizing race wins over points accumulation.

With a renewed focus on victories, what impact do you think this shift in strategy will have on XDS-Astana’s performance in major cycling events?