Former pro rider Stefano Zanini is the latest edition to the Astana setup, coming into the squad as a new directeur sportif prior to the 2013 season.
The 43 year old Italian was a pro between 1991 and 2007, competing with a number of teams including Mapei, Saeco, Quick Step Davitamon, Liquigas and Predictor Lotto. He clocked up approximately 30 wins, including single day successes in Milan Torino and the Amstel Gold Race, two stages in the Giro d’Italia and the final stage in the 2000 Tour de France.
He was also second in the Tour of Flanders and third in Milan-Sanremo. “I am absolutely thrilled about the great opportunity that Pro Team Astana and Alexandr Vinokourov have offered me,” he said. “I will do everything I can to repay their faith and will give 100% to help the team conquer new heights.”
The appointment was made by Alexandr Vinokourov and Giuseppe Martinelli, who are both expected to be involved in the running of the team.
Vinokourov retired after the Clasica San Sebastian, although he made the end of his career official when he competed in a farewell crit in Monaco at the weekend.