Cycling: The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reports in today's edition of far-reaching and systematic corruption in Italian cycling. Accordingly, numerous Italian professionals are said to have 'bought' contracts. There is also talk of black accounts and illegal contracts. The first teams are now denying such practices. Other countries may also be affected.
At a time when corruption in sport tends to make the headlines in football and cycling fans can actually sit back and relax, the report in today's Corriere della Sera hits cycling right to the core. According to research by the usually very well-informed sports journalist Marco Bonarrigo, a large number of drivers in Italian professional teams paid five-digit amounts to get a contract.
While some team bosses - including Bardiani-CSF and Androni-Sidermec - vehemently deny the allegations, Bonarrigo also found former drivers or consultants who confirm such practices in Italy. For example, a still-active driver advisor who wishes to remain anonymous said that "most of my drivers between 25.000 and 50.000€" paid for a professional contract. There are also indications from the Italian cycling association FCI that these are by no means isolated cases. The problem is known and one would like to take action against it, but as long as the drivers are willing to pay these sums, there is little that can be done.
Former amateur and former Italian cycling hope Matteo Mammini also confirmed the problem. "A professional contract would have cost me €50.000." The report also states that many professionals pay these costs in installments over the course of their careers. Accordingly, parts of the actual salary of the professionals would flow into black accounts. Mammini, who at the age of 21 wanted to make the leap to the pros, was completely unexpected by these demands. "My big dream was shattered within two hours during a dinner with a well-known Italian team boss," says the current bar owner, who has since hung up his cycling shoes.
Although denials follow denials these hours, the report could have implications for Italian teams. Giro boss Mauro Vegni is quoted in the article as saying: "If the situation is really as bad as described here, the association and the judiciary must intervene - and the drivers must cooperate." In addition, Vegni put a big question mark over the wildcards at the Giro, which usually also go to Italian teams: "We don't have to invite a team just because it's from Italy."
Although Bonarrigo focused his research on Italy and the problem seems to be greatest there, teams from other countries could also be affected. The previously quoted driver consultant mentions teams from Croatia and Ukraine, where professional contracts can be obtained for much smaller sums than in Italy.
Unfortunately, we will probably hear more about the allegations in the coming days and weeks.