Over a week ago we have informed about the increasing uncertainty around the future of the Fernando Alonso Cycling Team, as a research done within group of people closely connected with a professional peloton suggested that there was no hearing from the Formula One driver or other figures related to the project. However, according to Italian media Spanish star managed to establish contracts with several big-name riders and encourage important sponsor to support the new team, while UCI rules regarding to application process for WorldTour license are now the biggest obstacle on a way to turn his idea into reality.
Even though there was no information about a progress in creating the new WorldTour squad since Paolo Bettini was seen at the Tirreno-Adriatico, according to Gazzetta dello Sport people connected with the project were busy working, as the former World Champion managed to establish lucrative contracts with five top professional riders, while Alonso signed a pre-contractual agreement with Dubai government, guaranteeing to sponsor a team for 20 million Euro a year for five years.
However, the progress in creating the Fernando Alonso Cycling Team has stalled, as Formula One driver was reportedly unhappy with the UCI rules connected with application process for WorldTour license.
Currently, the UCI demands a guarantee of sponsorship and leading riders from each team applying for a WorldTour spot in August, while the final line up is confirmed no sooner than in November. According to Italian media Alonso was unhappy with a prospect of over three months of waiting for a confirmation in uncertainty, and thus asked the Cycling Federation for a special guarantees and concessions facilitating his team entering the WorldTour ranks.
Reportedly, Alonso’s manager Luis Garcia Abad visited the UCI representatives in Switzerland last Monday in order to negotiate the special treatment for the new project.
"we have been and are in touch with people involved in this project, welcome the interest and will of course work with them and others who wish to invest in cycling through our entry and approval processes," UCI representative told Cyclingnews.
Taking over the WorldTour license from one of the teams struggling to find a new sponsor, particularly Cannondale or Giant-Shimano, appears to be the easiest solution, however, Alonso has already made it clear that he is interested in creating a new squad from the scratches exclusively.
In such circumstances, the final decision whether the team is created for the 2015 season, delayed a year or the project is suspended is expected to be made by the end of May.
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