On the brink of collapse: Petrolike faces licence threat as unpaid salaries put future in doubt

Petrolike’s future has been thrown into serious doubt after ongoing financial problems forced the Mexican Continental team to miss the Giro d’Italia Under 23 despite having received an invitation from RCS Sport. The squad, which has established its operational base in Italy and built a reputation for developing talented riders in recent seasons, now faces a critical deadline from the UCI that could determine whether it continues racing for the remainder of 2026.

After a promising start to the season and participation in several races alongside professional teams, Petrolike’s campaign has gradually stalled. The team’s riders and staff have reportedly gone unpaid for several months, prompting intervention from the UCI.

Following discussions with the team's ownership, the governing body imposed a final deadline of June 12 for outstanding wages to be paid and normal operations to resume. Failure to comply could result in the revocation of Petrolike’s Continental licence, immediately releasing riders and staff from their contracts and allowing them to seek opportunities elsewhere.

The financial difficulties have already had sporting consequences, most notably the loss of the team's place at the Giro d’Italia Next Gen.

Speaking about the crisis, team manager Marco Bellini acknowledged that the organisation's main sponsor is also the holder of the team's UCI licence and is currently facing significant financial challenges.

“Our sponsor is also the holder of the UCI Continental licence,” Bellini explained in words to Tuttobici. “Right now, and it is no secret, they are going through a difficult financial period.”

“For this reason, the team has been struggling for several months. Clearly, the UCI was aware of the situation, and to ensure a favourable outcome to this crisis, they initially set a payment deadline of May 30 and then June 12.”

Despite the uncertainty, Bellini said he had recently received encouraging messages from the team's backers and remains hopeful that a solution can still be found.

“To date, the situation has not been regularised, and this has prevented us from participating in the Giro Next Gen. However, just last night, I received reassurances from Petrolike. Clearly, I remain confident that the situation can be resolved in the next few hours.”