The Cycling Podcast S13 Ep151: Trapdoor - Inside the Astana Miracle
Nov 19, 2025
Vasilis Anastopoulos, Head of Performance at Astana, shares how data-driven strategies helped the cycling team avoid WorldTour relegation. He discusses the innovative recruitment of a data engineer and the introduction of targeted race planning. Joe Dombrowski reflects on the team's challenging morale and identity issues before the turnaround. Together, they reveal insights on their rigorous training schedule, nutrition, and the impact of new equipment, showcasing a remarkable transformation in just a year.
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Riders Felt Teams Lacked Direction
- Joe Dombrowski described a demoralised Astana with unclear objectives after management changes.
- Riders felt they often raced without a leader or coherent plan and morale was low.
Miraculous Collective Turnaround
- Astana rose from 21st to 15th in the three-year ranking by changing strategy and execution.
- Thirteen riders outscored the best 2024 performer from the previous season, showing broad depth.
Data Engineering Multiplied Coaching Impact
- A data engineer enabled rapid analysis of rider files and optimal lead‑out sequencing.
- Small technical insights (kilojoule savings, order of riders) translated into measurable sprint gains.