Challenge Mallorca firmly defends itself amidst recent criticism: "We were not given the option of plan B nor do we owe money to anyone"

The 2025 edition of the Challenge Mallorca series is already part of the history books. Unfortunately though, this one did not go the way everyone would have liked. After some spectacular races, the Trofeo Andratx was suspended at the decision of the riders, which ended with a series of accusations against the race organization.

For that reason, Challenge Mallorca itself have contacted our Spanish sister channel CiclismoAlDía to respond to all these accusations from José Joaquín Rojas, sport director of Movistar Team, Adam Hansen, head of the rider's union, and Rory Sutherland, a former cyclist who has claimed that the organization owes money to the riders for the 2023 edition.

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Director of Challenge Mallorca fumes after Trofeo Andratx cancellation: "It was the riders who decided to stop... It seems to us a lack of respect"

First of all, it all started with Manuel Hernandez, director of the Challenge Mallorca, who made it known that the suspension of the race was solely the decision of the riders due to "dangerous conditions". This provoked the anger of an organization that works throughout the year for these 5 races, citing a perceived lack of respect.

Later, José Joaquín Rojas, sport director of Movistar Team, accused the organization of the Challenge Mallorca series of not being present on the road to meet the requests of the cyclists. In addition, Adam Hansen, head of the CPA, stated that they were open to continuing the race with a plan B. On this, the Challenge Mallorca clarifies the following: "It is not true what Mr. José Joaquín Rojas says, since both the Technical Director of the race and the General Director were in the race and were not given any option to make a plan B".

Regarding the harsh accusations of former cyclist Rory Sutherland, the organization also categorically denies that this is true: "The Challenge Mallorca does not owe money to anyone. If it were true the International Cycling Union (UCI) would not have let him do the race the following year. Mr. Sutherland, apart from lying, demonstrates his cycling ignorance."

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Director of the Challenge Mallorca lashes out again, this time at José Joaquín Rojas: "Thank goodness he was a better rider than director, he is shameless"

Former pro accuses Challenge Mallorca organizers of not paying prize money, after huge race cancellation controversy

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