As time ticks towards the UCI’s next announcement date of November 20th for ProTeams, the pressure continues on the Geox TMC team to find a new sponsor for 2012. Its technical staff have issued an open letter to pledge their commitment to the ongoing search, and to underline the reasons why they believe the team should continue.
Stating that they ‘deeply regret’ the current situation which was caused when Italian footwear company Geox said on October 20th that it was walking away from cycling, the staff of the management company Bike Live have insisted that the fighting spirit remains and they haven’t given up hope.
“We have been left in the lurch and in difficult circumstances,” stated the communication, released in Spanish today. “However, this does not mean that discouragement, laziness or indifference festers amongst us. During all these years we passed through good times and bad, highs and lows; but if something has remained constant and ever-present, it has been the atmosphere of fun and togetherness within the squad. And in these difficult times, that survives as strongly as ever ... or even bigger again.
“From the technical staff of Bike Live we want it to be seen through this open letter that we remain cohesive in our efforts to continue our professional ensemble in 2012. We also wish to express our support and gratitude to the team leaders Mauro Gianetti and Joxean Fernández 'Matxin'. We trust the good work of both: under their leadership we have got out of other negative situations, and we know they are giving heart and soul so that we can also move ahead and with a smile. Also, the other sponsors of the squad have confirmed their support to us despite the difficulties.”
The open letter continues by calling on companies to get involved in backing it. It also lists the dedication shown by the technical side of the team, with late nights, early mornings, the long, difficult process of the transportation of bikes across Europe between races and other factors all being cited as proof of the group spirit. It says that because of this work, the team has been able to secure its top results, including Juan Jose Cobo’s victory in the Vuelta a España.
“We are a team that deserves to continue to exist and to create milestones for Spanish sport in general and cycling in particular,” it continues. “We only need someone to give us a bit of support, and we are optimistic. We are confident that Mauro and 'Matxin' managed to find and hold together a group of people that have been shown capable of achieving glory.”
Former Vuelta winner Denis Menchov is thought to be in negotiations with the Katushsa team. However Juan Jose Cobo, David de la Fuente and others have said that they will remain with the team if a new backer is found in time.
The UCI is currently holding hearings in relation to teams other than the eight already approved for ProTeam status. The next announcement of successful names will come on November 20th, with the final pronouncement due by December 10th.