UCI updates Gazprom-Rusvelo case, with no positive outlook in sight

Since the beginning of March, the former Gazprom-Rusvelo team has been stripped from it's UCI license and in the meantime lost it's main sponsor Gazprom - due to it's status as a state-owned Russian company. This has left many riders without an opportunity to race, but with no end in sight for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the team's future is also left in uncertainty.

The situation has taken a turn to the worst as the Rusvelo name has now also been forbidden from being used in competition until further notice, as all ties with Russian and Belarusian brands are being cut. However, the UCI has confirmed that as long as there is the financial capacity and a nationality change of the team, it is free to re-apply for a license. The riders who formed part of the team are also free to sign a contract with other teams, as is the confirmed case of Nicola Conci for example.

However, the situation doesn't stand favourable for the former Russian team, as the UCI communicate that "despite several reminders of this possibility to the riders and the CPA, the UCI has not, to date, received any request in this regard and is not informed of the payment status of salaries."

Such lack of stability is a sign that for the time being, an evolution in the situation seems unlikely.