Women's WorldTour team to 'cease operations' at the end of the season after sponsor search struggle

Ceratizit Pro Cycling will close after failing to find new sponsor in challenging economic climate

Ceratizit Pro Cycling
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Ceratizit Pro Cycling Women's WorldTour team is to close at the end of the year, it announced on Tuesday.

The German-registered outfit, which has existed for 11 seasons, features riders including Sandra Alonso, Kristýna Burlová and Sarah Van Dam on its roster.

Team boss Sun said in a statement: “The current economic climate has significantly impacted the ability to maintain a WorldTour team. Despite our best efforts to secure new sponsorship, escalating costs and current conditions have made it impossible to continue.

"Our heartfelt thanks go to the Ceratizit Group, Orbea and all of our sponsors for a decade of unwavering support, and to all of our riders, staff, and fans for their dedication and passion over the years.”

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After cutting his teeth on local and national newspapers, James began at Cycling Weekly as a sub-editor in 2000 when the current office was literally all fields.

Eventually becoming chief sub-editor, in 2016 he switched to the job of full-time writer, and covers news, racing and features.

He has worked at a variety of races, from the Classics to the Giro d'Italia – and this year will be his seventh Tour de France.

A lifelong cyclist and cycling fan, James's racing days (and most of his fitness) are now behind him. But he still rides regularly, both on the road and on the gravelly stuff.

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