The Kingdom of Bahrain officially announced its support of the nascent Bahrain Cycling Team the day before yesterday, putting an end to weeks of speculation that the team would fail to materialise for the 2017 season.

The press release offered little in terms of details on the team, instead electing to delay naming staff and riders until the opening of the UCI's transfer window on August. However, the release did state that the team would be "funded through a consortium of businesses and partners from Bahrain".

Media reports have indicated that current Lampre-Merida manager Brent Copeland would be involved in the project and is looking to sign Vincenzo Nibali, whose contract with the Astana team expires at the conclusion of the current season.

Earlier this month, L'Equipe reported that the team would be postponed for a year, but this was strongly denied by Copeland.

The announcement did not specify if the team would seek WorldTour status, but said its partners "are committed to the growth and development of the team and will ensure the best conditions for its riders to achieve top results in the biggest races around the world", and "will include internationally renowned athletes. Management is comprised of globally recognised cycling experts, who have been selected for their commitment to a wholly independent and results driven approach."

"We are thrilled to be able to announce the Bahrain Cycling Team today, as Bahrain holds a great love for this growing sport," said a spokesperson for the consortium, "As a country we already compete internationally in a range of sports, and we want to continue this though our commitment to international cycling. Professional cycling is one of the most exhilarating sports in the world, and it is with the hope of enriching the global cycling scene that we take part in this beautiful sport and hope to make the world around us a better place."