Astana Qazaqstan strengthens itself with Colombian climbing talent from Gianni Savio’s stable

Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 4:54 PM

Santiago Umba will make his WorldTour debut next year in the colors of Astana Qazaqstan. The 20-year-old Colombian, who played for Gianni Savio’s team GW Shimano-Sidermec this year, has signed a one-year contract.

Umba had been a professional for two years with Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec and Drone Hopper-Androni Giocattoli, the predecessors of the now continental GW Shimano-Sidermec. In his first year with Gianni Savio’s team, he won a mountain stage to La Planche des Belles Filles in the Tour Alsace (2.2) and finished fourth in that round. That same year he also finished third in Le Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc (2.2), where he also won a mountain stage.

Umba was unable to achieve such results in the past two seasons, although he did finish tenth in the Giro Next Gen this season. He expects to take further steps in the coming years. “I am sure that Astana is the ideal team for me and I think I can make great progress here,” says the climber on the site of his future employer.

“We see a lot of potential in Santiago,” said Astana Qazaqstan team manager Aleksandr Vinokourov. “Despite his young age, Santiago has already competed in many important professional competitions and gained serious experience, which can serve as a basis for his further development. He has achieved some good results in the youth categories and already knows what professional racing is, so all he needs is to work carefully and systematically. That will enable him to reach a good level in the WorldTour.”