Despite being just 23 years old, Anastasiya, or Nastya as she prefers, Kolesava already has five years of experience racing in Europe and plans to use these experiences to help guide her teammates on and off the bike. Describing herself as an all-rounder who can manage herself in flat races and stage racing, Nastya also loves climbing. She won a stage at Giro Toscana Internazionale Feminile in 2023, rating it as her most significant result to date.

Nastya says, “I began cycling in 2011. One day, when I was ten years old, I saw a picture of my dad on a road bike, and I wanted to do the same. My Dad said I didn’t need it, but I found a cycling school in my city and went there. The coach told me that I was too short and three athletes were already using the three available bikes. I kept visiting the school and kept getting the same answer. Once, I met the school director, who told me there would soon be a new coach and smaller bikes. I started cycling later that year and immediately decided what career to choose.

I am a universal rider. I can race flat and stage races, and I love climbing. My favourite aspect of pro cycling is the team spirit. Even if you stay so far from home, you have a second family around. My biggest cycling achievement is winning a stage in Giro Toscana in Italy this year. This was a huge psychological victory since I didn’t believe I could win an international race. It has been a dream of mine since I was 15 years old, and I always looked up to riders like Alena Amialiusik, who inspired me to keep pursuing my dreams. 

In 2024, I want to unite with the team and be one. Share experiences and support each other. My goal for the next season is to be on the podium with the team and improve my skills and those of my teammates. Working as a team and having good, friendly relationships is the key to success. With my racing experiences, I can help my teammates with good advice and tips.”