Last month double Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso reinforced the idea that he wanted to set up a top-level cycling team led by compatriot Alberto Contador. Today Gazzetta dello Sport has said that there has been a lot of recent movement in the initiative that could see Alonso team up with Caisse d'Epargne manager Eusebius Unzué to create a Spanish super team.
Apparently one of the sponsors of Alonso's Ferrari team, Banco Santander, has been named in taking over the title sponsorship of Unzué's team.
Contador has indicated before that he would be very interested in the project, but also held talks last year with the Quick Step, Garmin Transitions and Caisse d’Epargne teams. Quick Step sponsor Frans de Cock recently predicted that the double Tour de France winner would be part of his squad in 2011, and Contador himself admitted that talks last season had been ‘very advanced.’ However he ultimately stayed with the Astana squad, realizing that breaking the final year of his contract could lead to serious legal issues.
The Gazzetta dello Sport has presented another possible scenario for Contador that would involve a move to Bjarne Riis' team, as it was recently announced that the Schleck brothers Andy and Frank are looking to start their own squad. The Italian paper suggests that American bicycle manufacturer Specialized might be part of a deal that would see him ride for the Danish team.
Specialized was a key figure in keeping the Spaniard on the Astana team this year, but the fact that Pinarello is working Unzué the paper says, could spoil that deal. Mike Sinyard, the founder of Specialized, has been aggressive in keeping Contador, and the marketing power that comes with him, on board their machines.
Recently Contador said he's been impressed with his 'new look' Astana team and, after winning the Vuelta ao Algarve last month, he will now head to Paris-Nice to continue his build-up for his Tour de France title defense in July.