What sounded so promising just a few weeks ago has now come to an abrupt end - before it even really began: The takeover of the financially troubled Euskaltel-Euskadi team, which, in addition to the Olympic champion in Beijing, Samuel Sanchez, also includes the two Germans André Schulze and Steffen Radochla under contract failed.
It seems that the negotiations have stagnated due to the team's existing infrastructure and long-term employee contracts. According to a press release, those responsible for the team are quoted as follows: “We cannot hide our disappointment with the outcome of the negotiations. This is very bad news for Euskaltel-Euskadi, especially after an initial agreement was reached at the end of August.”
With the dissolution of the team, 14 professionals will lose their valid contracts, including captains Sanchez and Igor Anton. With the dissolution of the team, Team Movistar will be the only Spanish representative in the WorldTour next year.
Fernando Alonso's takeover of the team could have been positive for cycling in many ways, especially as it would have drawn the attention of sponsors who are not currently considering getting involved.
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