Vinokourov wants Giulio Pellizzari at Astana but Red Bull star has other plans
XDS Astana's interest in Giulio Pellizzari is genuine, according to the rider's agent, but the Italian is not planning to leave Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe. Alex Carera has claimed Alexandre Vinokourov is an admirer of the 22-year-old while also outlining his ambitions for the 2027 Giro d'Italia.
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Pellizzari has established himself as one of Italy's most promising young riders, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by rival teams. Speaking on RAI television programme Radiocorsa, Carera claimed that XDS Astana manager Vinokourov is particularly enthusiastic about the Red Bull rider.
Vinokourov has a history of working successfully with Italian riders, most notably Vincenzo Nibali, who won the 2016 Giro d'Italia during his time at Astana.
"I can confirm that Alexander Vinokourov absolutely adores Giulio Pellizzari," Carera said, before pushing back against journalist Beppe Conti's claim that the rider would transfer from Red Bull to XDS Astana.
"Giulio respects contracts. He's extremely happy at Red Bull and will honour his contract."
Pellizzari remains under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2029, and there is no indication that formal negotiations have taken place or that Astana have made an offer.
The 2026 season offered plenty of reasons for Red Bull to be confident in Pellizzari's future, though it was not without setbacks. While the Italian claimed several impressive victories, his Giro d'Italia campaign fell well short of expectations.
Giro d'Italia redemption on the cards for 2027
Pellizzari has yet to outline his programme for 2027, but Carera suggested that he might be in line for a return to the Giro d’Italia. That would represent an opportunity to make up for a disappointing appearance in this year's race.
Pellizzari arrived at the 2026 Giro with considerable expectations following an impressive spring. He had finished third overall at Tirreno-Adriatico before winning the Tour of the Alps, taking two stage victories and the general classification.
His Giro initially appeared to be heading in the right direction, and despite experiencing stomach problems during the opening half of the race, he remained sixth overall after stage 14.
His condition deteriorated as the race progressed, however, and he eventually finished 21st in Rome, a considerable step backwards from his sixth place in the 2025 edition.
"You learn and grow from mistakes. Even in a season of ups and downs, Giulio has shown that he is a pure talent," Carera said. "He fell ill at the Giro and couldn't get back to his previous level in the third week."
After his Giro disappointment, Pellizzari finished second overall at the Tour of Slovenia and he won the final mountain stage of the Vuelta a Burgos at Lagunas de Neila. He followed that with a stage victory at the Deutschland Tour and a win at the Giro della Toscana in September, underlining his ability to bounce back from a difficult Grand Tour.
"If he starts, it will be to compete against the biggest names," Carera said of Pellizzari’s likely return to the Giro in 2027. "We're in for something special next year."
