Still No Signs of a Team from Fernando Alonso
First came the disappointment last week, that despite joining forces with the sports management group, NOVO, Fernando Alonso in his efforts to secure a WorldTour license for 2015 – fell short of the October 1st deadline.
However, it now appears as though the former F1 champion’s chances at forming any sort of pro cycling team for 2015, are rapidly diminishing.
According to cycling’s governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Alonso has until the end of this month to register for a professional Continental license, if he hopes to have a team ready for 2015.
However, UCI President Brian Cookson remains hopeful that the Spaniard will still follow through.
"A short window of time remains for Alonso to apply for a license, register rider contracts and pay a bank guarantee. The UCI rules allow teams to apply after the October 1st deadline by paying a daily fine". "The UCI issues its assessment of license applications on November 1st".
"I think we can be a little bit more flexible if there’s a serious Professional Continental proposal. Let’s see what they come up with. It’s in their hands now. We’ve done everything we can.”
The cycling world has been titliliated by spurious rumors over the last year, that Alonso had received numerous offers from notable players in the F1 industry to help back his efforts in forming a team, to include a major financial backer in Dubai. And, his newly hired team manager, former world champion Paolo Bettini, even went so far last spring to say that a sponsor would be named before the start of the "Classics".
However, as things stand, nothing has been solidified on any front.
Nor has his recent partnership with NOVO, brought anything to fruition either.
In a recent press release, Alonso simply had this to say about his partnership with NOVO:
“I’m thrilled to be part of this new venture. I get to indulge my passion for cycling and obsession with technology and design with likeminded people. We see a window of opportunity and plan to kick it wide open!”
Novo’s Nathan Pillai, confirmed that they did not apply for a WorldTour license, but insisted that their plans to create a team have not been compromised.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
