Cervelo have announced the end of their title sponsorship of their men's professional cycling team.
Suggestions of link up with Garmin-Transitions
Cervelo have announced the end of their title sponsorship of their men's professional cycling team.
Cervelo Test Team was established in 2008 and took part in the 2009 and 2010 seasons, winning stages in each of the three grand tours.
Their withdrawal cited an unease with the financial pressures on professional cycling teams.
A Cervelo Test Team statement issued this evening read: "Cervelo confirmed today that it would not continue as a cycling team title sponsor after the end of the 2010 season.
"Certain subtle changes in the rules that govern pro cycling, have established a trend towards bigger budgets to ensure participation in all the big races, and this is not something with which we are comfortable.
"We were okay with the significant commitment we originally made to the team, but to increase it is not prudent.
"To create the best opportunities for riders, staff, sponsors and other stakeholders, a bigger team environment is needed.
"At the same time, the very positive response to a focus on "more than just racing" has been great.
Continued involvement
"We look forward to continued involvement in pro cycling at the highest level with an emphasis on product R&D (research and development), as we have since 2003.
"To that end, we will announce the details soon."
Carlos Sastre, the 2008 Tour de France champion, was the Swiss-registered squad's marquee rider but recently agreed a deal with Spanish team Geox for 2011, while Norway's Thor Hushovd won the Tour's points classification leader's green jersey in 2009 and came close to a successful defence in July, only to lose out to Alessandro Petacchi.
British riders Jeremy Hunt, Roger Hammond and Daniel Lloyd have all been riding for Cervelo this season and must now seek a new team for 2011.
However, it has been suggested Cervelo could link up with Team Garmin-Transitions.
