'Doing better is impossible' - How the Vinokurov brothers handle external pressures from father's legacy

The Vinokourov name has become inextricably linked with Astana over a period of two decades. The former Olympic champion Alexander Vinokourov has been an integral part of the team since the Kazakh title sponsor took over from the Liberty Seguros-Würth team in 2006, first as a rider, but since his retirement as general manager from 2013 onwards. 

The legacy has continued with Alexander’s two sons, Alexandre and Nicolas, both of whom have aspired to carve their own professional cycling journeys with XDS Astana, but have taken different paths in 2025.

In an interview with Cyclism’Actu, the brothers were asked the simple question of what it is like being Alexander Vinokourov’s son.

“Of course, even when you're a rider, it's more stressful, obviously, but we were always under pressure, and we got used to it eventually,” said Alexandre to Cyclism’Actu, revealing how it took time to adapt to the natural expectations that come from being the son of one of the top riders of his era.

Alexandre, after a promising start with the XDS Astana Development Team, has had to deal with the hardship of an early retirement at 23 years old, announcing that he would hang up his racing wheels after riding the Tour of Langkawi, seven months after suffering a severe crash in Greece when he was struck by a car, resulting in a fracture to his right femoral neck. 

Despite this major setback, Alexandre has transitioned to a new role as a trainee sports director for XDS Astana, having completed his UCI Sports Director training course, beginning his new role with the team in 2026.

Alexandre reflected on the external pressures that come with being associated with a famous family and how he had adapted to it over time to be able to focus on his own career.

"People wait to see what they will do, even though doing better is impossible. Even reaching half of what they've done is already incredible. Of course, there's always that pressure, but then... You get used to it, and you try to forget all that," said Alexandre.

Meanwhile, Nicolas continues to pursue his racing career, having advanced to Astana's WorldTour squad in 2024 and competing in the Vuelta a España in the past two seasons. Having known Astana since childhood, Nicolas described the team as an integral part of his life and not feeling much pressure due to the family-like environment beyond his father. 

"Honestly, I don't feel much [pressure]," said Nicolas. "I've always been with Astana, since I was eight, nine, ten years old. I've always been with the team, I always watch all the races, I go to the training camps... It's like a family. So, in the end, whether my dad is there or not, the whole team is like my family. I really feel at home, and I'm very comfortable."