Astana to fold?

andyp

Inrng reporting on Twitter that Astana could be in trouble, none of the sponsorship funds for 2018 have been received so far. Vinokourov is saying the situation is critical, but what isn't clear is whether he's using the media to put pressure on the sponsors, or whether there is an underlying funding crisis.

tim000

wont be sorry to see the back of Vinokourov .

Richmond Racer 2

*insert tiny violin emoji*

specialgueststar

tim000 wrote:

wont be sorry to see the back of Vinokourov .

like they did at the Olympics

No_Ta_Doctor

Never happy to see a team fold. But if there had to be one...

above_the_cows

SpecialGuestStar wrote:

ShutupJens

Seems ironic that after all the stuff with the doping almost forgotten about it's the financial situation that threatens to be their downfall. Would be a shame to see them go as they clearly have the riders to light up races, do like Lutsenko in particular

Vino'sGhost

It would be a shame if they went, Its a quality team.

Of course, i can understand why some people would revel in 50 or 60 families incomes being lost. (NB this is irony AND sarcasm)

tim000

Vino'sGhost wrote:

It would be a shame if they went, Its a quality team.

Of course, i can understand why some people would revel in 50 or 60 families incomes being lost. (NB this is irony AND sarcasm)

don't worry , the suppliers will find someone else to buy their doping products

iainf72

Astana were also a trailblazer for oppressive regimes who wanted to sponsor cycling teams.

andyp

Bump - Astana riders haven't been paid yet this year.

yorkshireraw

andyp said:

Bump - Astana riders haven't been paid yet this year.

Bet M A Lopez is wondering what he's done (again...)

daniel_b

.

jimmythecuckoo

andyp said:

Bump - Astana riders haven't been paid yet this year.

have I missed a link somewhere? Apols if yes.

RichN95.

jimmythecuckoo said:

andyp said:

Bump - Astana riders haven't been paid yet this year.

have I missed a link somewhere? Apols if yes.

https://www.velonews.com/news/road/astana-qazaqstan-yet-to-pay-riders-in-2022/

de_sisti

.

rick_chasey

If they disappear is that one relegation spot accounted for in the relegation battle?

RichN95.

rick_chasey said:

If they disappear is that one relegation spot accounted for in the relegation battle?

Yes, unless someone buys their licence, like Israel PT did with Katusha.