Pete Kennaugh embarks on a new adventure at XDS Astana 🇰🇿
'It’s the closest feeling you can get to being in a race' says sports director
Few of us had Pete Kennaugh directing at XDS Astana Team on our lists of predictions at the start of the year, but the former pro has linked up with the WorldTour squad, and in January, he will officially start a new chapter of his life on the Kazakh team.
The 35–year–old hung up his wheels in 2019 and, along with commentary work for ITV, has spent the last few years directing in the U23 ranks with Trinity Racing. However, with the demise of Trinity, Kennaugh was on the lookout for a new challenge.
In truth, Trinity had been on the ropes for some time, with a lack of sponsorship funds, bringing the team to the brink of closure at the end of 2023. If it hadn’t been for team owner Andrew McQuaid’s loyalty and passion, the team wouldn’t have been on the road in 2024.
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That extra season on the road provided Kennaugh with the chance to pick up another year’s experience behind the wheel, and when an opportunity opened up at Astana via Mark Cavendish’s good word, Kennaugh jumped at the chance. He talked with the team, met owner Alexandre Vinokourov during the Tour and signed his contract soon after.