Towards a bleak future

Based on sources in the Spanish media Cycling News reports that the deal between the ner group and Fundación Euskadi is off.

As the earlier agreement is now off the future of Basque cycling looks bleak.

Stakeholders Miguel Madariaga and Jon Odriozola have both applied for a Continental license at the Spanish cycling union, but it is far from clear if the project will take place under their management.

A new Facebook group called SOS ciclismo en Euskadi are asking Basque institutions, companies and the general public for help.

“We need continuity for our amateur-cyclists and our young riders. Euskadi has been a name that travelled around the world. We have the riders and we have the best fans in the world. We ask the Basque government and the Basque Cycling Union to find a solution. Our cyclists deserve this," the initiative stated.

After World Tour team Euskaltel-Euskadi folded, and now the continental version on the verge of disintegration, Basque cycling fans fear the worst. Nineteen riders from Euskaltel-Euskadi have still not found teams, and another twelve from the Euskadi team would only add sorrow to misery.

Spain could be left with just Movistar, Caja Rural and Continental Burgos BH. A potential catastrophe for a country with as proud cycling traditions as Spain.