Alberto Contador opens his team’s doors to F1 star - Team Polti VisitMalta partner with Ukyo Katayama and his Japanese team
Cycling
Alberto Contador’s sporting project is entering a new phase with the arrival of its first external partner. HAYF Sports, the company that owns the Team Polti VisitMalta structure, has welcomed Ukyo Katayama, a former Formula 1 driver and founder of TEAM UKYO, with the aim of broadening its sporting and commercial horizons and helping develop new Japanese talent.
The deal marks a change in ownership for HAYF Sports, which has been represented by the Contador and Basso brothers since its foundation. Katayama’s arrival opens up a new avenue for collaboration between the European project and Japanese cycling. The aim is to draw on the experience gained in Spain developing riders and help young Japanese cyclists compete at a higher level.
The agreement also brings together two structures with complementary goals. Team Polti VisitMalta will continue racing on the European calendar, while TEAM UKYO has steadily raised its profile on the international scene as a Continental team.
The addition of the Japanese businessman is intended to strengthen that relationship and create new opportunities for riders from his country.
Alberto Contador
Contador celebrates historic agreement for the team
Fran Contador, general manager of Team Polti VisitMalta, highlighted the significance of welcoming a new partner for the first time since the company was founded. He said the development of Japanese cycling was among the shared priorities with Katayama, with plans to bring to the Japanese market the expertise gained in Spain in recent years.
“This is a very special and, in a way, historic moment for us. Since HAYF Sports was founded, this is the first time we have welcomed a new partner to the structure represented until now by Alberto, Ivan and me,” he explained.
The project goes beyond establishing a business relationship. Its aim is to help cycling grow in Japan, spark greater interest in the sport and develop riders capable of stepping up to the leading international competitions.
“One of our main goals with Ukyo will be to work on developing Japanese cycling from day one, drawing on the experience we have gained in Spain over the past few years in rider development. We want to help increase participation, generate growing interest in the sport and, who knows, perhaps one day see a great Japanese cyclist take centre stage in the world’s biggest races,” Fran Contador added.
Ivan Basso highlights strong rapport with new partner
Katayama’s arrival follows several months of discussions. Ivan Basso, one of the project’s leaders alongside the Contador brothers, stressed both the strategic value of the deal and the personal relationship that helped bring it about.
“It is a strategic move that looks to the future and rewards the seriousness and passion we bring to our work,” said the Italian, who believes the Japanese businessman’s arrival could usher in a period of growth for the team.
Basso also explained that understanding between the two sides developed over time, and that their first meeting in late August helped build mutual trust.
“It will also allow us to build an even more ambitious future. Ukyo and I have had a long dialogue that has developed over time. It was an important process, as important matters require. His arrival is a great opportunity for our project, not only because of his career and standing in his country, but also because we immediately felt a strong personal connection when we met in late August,” he said.
The Italian hopes that connection will lead to a lasting partnership, with shared sporting and business goals. “On this solid foundation, we hope this marks the start of a long journey together. We can share great experiences, continue to grow our project and celebrate many successes together.”
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From Formula 1 circuits to a commitment to Japanese cycling
Ukyo Katayama’s arrival also brings the experience of a figure who spent years in motorsport. The Japanese driver competed in Formula 1 before going on to establish TEAM UKYO, a cycling team created with the ambition of one day reaching the sport’s biggest international races.
His connection with cycling, however, began long before he launched the team. Katayama explained that he had been passionate about the sport since childhood and kept cycling as part of his routine during his time on the European racing circuits, using it as a training tool.
“I have loved cycling since I was a child, and during my F1 career in Europe, riding my bike was a key part of my training. That is why creating TEAM UKYO with the ambition of one day reaching the top level of cycling and the Grand Tours felt like a natural continuation of a lifelong passion,” he explained.
His investment in HAYF Sports will now bring him closer to a team with experience developing riders and competing in Europe. Katayama believes the partnership can give Japanese cyclists new opportunities to progress and test themselves against stronger opposition.
“It is an immense pleasure to partner with champions who have made their mark on the biggest stages and, in doing so, create incredible opportunities for talent from my country. They will be able to compete at an even higher level and work closely with the European cycling scene,” he added.
Alberto Contador, Fran Contador and Ivan Basso’s new partner hopes that combining expertise and perspectives will create a lasting pathway for the development of Japanese cycling. “I am privileged to be part of a sporting and professional environment that brings together extensive experience and shared ambitions for the future. I am very excited about what we can achieve by joining forces.”
Katayama concluded by stressing the importance of turning the partnership into tangible results: “By combining international expertise and perspectives with a clear vision and dedication, we can also help develop Japanese talent and make a lasting, meaningful impact on the sport. I can’t wait to see our shared ambitions translated into tangible results and to take the first steps towards a bright future!”
Jorge BorregueroWriter
Jorge Borreguero is a journalist with a degree from the Complutense University of Madrid and has been a writer for Cyclinguptodate and Ciclismoaldia since early 2023. In this role, he has played a key part in the evolution of the website, particularly as a specialist covering Movistar Team. He regularly writes race reports, analytical pieces, and in-depth features about the team, and has conducted exclusive interviews and attended multiple team presentations, providing readers with firsthand insights into one of the leading professional cycling squads.
Throughout his career, Jorge has maintained a strong focus on sports journalism, gaining experience across a variety of disciplines, including basketball and football. However, his current work is almost entirely dedicated to cycling, contributing extensively to Ciclismoaldia and its sister website Cyclinguptodate. For these platforms, he combines thorough research with detailed reporting to deliver high-quality content, ranging from race previews and results to expert analysis of teams and riders.
Jorge’s reporting is marked by accuracy, depth, and a commitment to providing readers with reliable and authoritative information. His direct engagement with teams, athletes, and events ensures that his coverage reflects firsthand knowledge and professional insight. Through his work, he has established himself as a trusted voice in professional cycling journalism, bridging the gap between the sport and its global audience while maintaining rigorous editorial standards.
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