Spanish National Championships, held on the very same route as World Championships later this season, appeared to be a perfect opportunity for punchy riders in likes of Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) or Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) to test their legs on a lumpy course before competing with world’s best professional cyclists in September. However, is appears that the field will be severely diminished as Spanish riders racing for foreign teams decided to boycott Championships after organizers once again refused to pay their travel and accommodation costs.

According to Spanish media, riders racing for foreign teams were forced to pay all costs of connected with competing in National Championships for last three years and they eventually decided do boycott the event as the Royal Spanish Federation (RFEC) once again refused to make the necessary payments.

It means that all 17 Spanish riders racing with foreign teams, including Joaquim Rodriguez, Alberto Contador or Samuel Sanchez will not participate, while it is still unclear whether Movistar riders will line-up in the event since they have both defending champions Jonathan Castroviejo and Jesus Herrada in their roster.

"Respect to the professional group of me affected colleagues, but I feel the shame of the ACP… Amazing the ineffectiveness of our Association and my most sincere support to the cyclists who have not been paid," 2010 champion José Iván Gutiérrez tweeted his support.

Despite all the controversies, the Spanish championships will go ahead as planned, between June 27-29, but with a severely diminished field.