Portuguese cycling in chaos as W52-FC Porto set to race Volta a Portugal despite mass suspensions

The Volta a Portugal is just around the corner, which for the Portuguese peloton is a crucial moment of the year. The race presentation had W52-FC Porto revealed to be in the race, despite having 8 of their 11 riders temporarily suspended as precaution. 

Team manager Adriano Quintanilha has admitted that the team may hire riders with the purpose of participating in the race. "In principle it could be a solution. There have to be contacts to be able to say that we have solutions. I am attentive and I have alternatives," he told A Bola. This could either be under-23 riders or former pros who currently race in the amateur ranks or don't have an ongoing contract.

The team's eight suspended riders will not be in the race, although the team is looking for precautionary measures which may alleviate the suspensions. "We are preparing the team to go to the Tour of Portugal. We will analyze what will happen. We have precautionary measures, which, in principle, will enter today or on Monday," he added.

"If we leave, we leave together," he said regarding both W52 - which he owns - and football club FC Porto who finances the team. "If they [Portuguese federation] don't want us in Portugal, we have to go to Spain, no problem. Always with FC Porto, it started with Porto and will have to end with Porto," he stated - leading to a confusing situation in which the team's future is currently unknown to anyone.

The Volta a Portugal's is Portugal's main road race of the year and provides the national teams with the biggest amount of sponsor exposure all year long. It is set to begin on the 4th of August with the route officialized.