Ever since news broke that Spanish Formula 1 star Fernando Alonso is set to take over the Euskaltel-Euskadi team, rumors surrounding one of his best friends, Alberto Contador, have continued.
Shortly after the Tour de France, the Spaniard had to put up with some criticism. This came mainly from Oleg Tinkov, the second namesake of the Danish team Saxo-Tinkoff, where Contador is under contract. Tinkov complained publicly at the time and stated that Contador lacked professionalism on the one hand and team manager Bjarne Riis lacked assertiveness on the other. So for the coming season, the Russian wanted to look for other ways to get involved in cycling. Riis puts this statement in a precarious situation. Without the financial support, he would hardly be able to pay Contador, whose salary is estimated at 4,5 million euros. A departure for the Spaniard, who still has a valid contract, would leave the team without a notable leader. It is questionable whether the Czech Roman Kreuziger or the Irishman Nicolas Roche could fill this role permanently. If Contador were to leave, Tinkov could imagine staying with Rii's team as a sponsor.
In addition, Alonso had already considered building a team around Contador in 2009. He had said this at the Tour of France, also against the background of Contador's desire to change, who was still under contract with Astana that year.
It is currently unclear whether Contador will join his friend Alonso's team. The same applies to the team name. However, according to Spanish media, it is considered very likely that the team will fly the flag of Alonso's long-term sponsor Bank of Santander will drive. There is also speculation that current Euskaltel manager Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano will continue to run the team in the coming year. Whether the team will be back on branded wheels "Orbea" will be on the way has not yet been determined. However, according to Ernesto Colnago, he could equip the team. The Italian frame building legend confirmed an appointment with Alonso at the sidelines of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. "I don't know yet what we're going to talk about", according to Colnago, "but if he [alonso] then I will provide his team with bikes.”
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