Having had lofty plans to become pro continental, the Danish Christina Watches team will fold at the end of the season. The team points fingers at the Danish Cycling Federation which didn't invite the team to the Tour of Denmark in 2013 and 2014.

The Christina Watches team will fold at the end of the season. The Danish team has been riding at the continental level and former rider Michael Rasmussen has been a co-owner of the team.

"We are constantly obstructed by the Danish Cycling Union," says owner Claus Hembo in the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet. In 2013 and 2014, the team missed out on selection for the Tour of Denmark.

As a continental team, Christina Watches has been hugely reliant on wildcards.

"Foreign races have been pleased to have us at the start and have even paid money for it but in our own country, mediocrity rules," Hembo says. Apparently, the Danish federation has adviced young riders not to sign a contract for 2015 with Christina Watches.

"We are treated like pariahs."

Michael Rasmussen's team dreamed about Tour de France participation in 2016. According Hembo, Rasmussen's doping case plays a role in the negative attitude from the Danish Cycling Federation. In early 2013, the Dane admitted to having used banned substances during his career.

German Stefan Schumacher was one of the biggest riders on Christina Watches. This month he signed a contract with CCC Polsat Polkowice which is riding at the professional continental level.