A new season and new signings always add intrigue to any bike race and for the women of Astana the Lexus of Blackburn Women’s Herald Sun Tour will be an opportunity to see some new imports bond with more experienced heads.

The outfit from Kazakhstan has changed shape over the last few months and sports director Pierangelo Dal Colle says that they are keen to impress in their first visit to this iconic tour.

“We are coming in Australia really looking forward to get a great experience: lot of things will be new for us but we are expecting high temperature, awesome cycling fans and a safe race thanks to the typical high level of the Australian race organization.”

They have had their challenges across the last 12 months, but will lend some real edge to the chase for yellow if they can get it right.

“ In this last cycling season the team had an incredible beginning right at the Australian races, then maybe we went a little bit under our expectations during the northern classics but knowing that we can get better, we are putting our head down and start to train hard again. Then, with some good moments on Amgen Tour of California and the Vuelta Femenina a Guatemala, the focus was on the World Championship and the last races of the season, which were all satisfactory for us.

“For the 2020 season like most of the teams, the main event is the Olympic Games, and we are trying to get the best race path that allow our selected riders to grow up again with experience and be ready for such big event. But for sure, races like these ones in Australia, northern classics and the Giro Rosa, are other key appointments for us.”

They will be riding for their undisputed leader who is her national champion, and who will be looking to stamp her authority on the event.

“It’s not a secret that we have one captain:  Cuban Arlenis Sierra is our best rider in the team, and she is really close to the best and consistent riders in the world. She is a very good sprinter that doesn’t suffer too much on climbs, so she can be quite fresh and could try to put her wheel beyond the others if she arrives in a sprint with a small group of riders.”

According to the team, the new Italians Katia Ragusa (22 years old) and Francesca Pattaro (24 years old) are both suited for steep hilly or flat races and with the fast Mexican Yarely Salazar also on the wider roster they are trying to put around Sierra a group of riders to guide her during the final kilometres of the races. They have also signed her compatriot, Cuban Yeima Torres who will be important to add support for this Australian trip, and like new Ukrainian Marina Ivanyuk, both can do a solid job in the first part of the races.

“In our small way, we try to do the best possible race, knowing we have a young team but that we give every time their 100%”

The team is excited to be a part of the February campaign and know that both days will be vital, with the pressure on right throughout the race – but their enthusiasm will not be denied.

“For sure the second stage will be a key day for the G.C. contenders but the first one cannot be underestimated if a small group get away till the finish line. The big teams will make it hard and fast two days of racing … and we are ready for that!”

Make sure you are roadside to cheer the Women – check all stage details on line for February 5 and 6 2020.