The Russian cycling team Gazprom-RusVelo is finally on the brink of collapse. The team has already released its riders and employees after the search for a new sponsor was unsuccessful. This was confirmed by team boss Renat Chamidulin to the internet portal Cyclingnews.
The second-tier team was banned from all international races by the UCI at the beginning of the month in the wake of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The UCI had thus followed the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee.
"We are still looking for a sponsor, but there is nothing concrete. I can't keep the 52 riders and staff waiting any longer," said Chamidulin, who criticised the world governing body for not helping with a possible successor solution. "The UCI wanted to penalise a Russian team, but they penalised riders from Italy, Norway, Spain and even Costa Rica. Even if three or four riders find a new team, the others will be out on the street."
He also has a mechanic from Ukraine and Russian team members with wives from Ukraine. "They have lost their jobs, they are desperate." He cannot understand why the world federation has no interest in the team continuing to exist under a different nationality.
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