Alonso presses on with plans for professional cycling team
Fernando Alonso remains committed to launching a top-level cycling team, despite recent setbacks and speculation over the project's progress.
Fernando Alonso has reaffirmed his intention to launch a professional cycling team, despite recent reports suggesting the project had stalled. The double Formula One world champion, who attended the Giro d’Italia’s 171-kilometre mountain stage as a guest, said preparations are still under way for a 2015 debut.
Alonso’s Ongoing Commitment to Cycling
Alonso’s involvement in cycling is longstanding. He is a keen amateur cyclist and an enthusiastic supporter of the sport. His presence at the Giro d’Italia, where he drove a VIP car on a mountain stage and presented the iconic pink jersey to the race leader, underlines his continued visibility in the cycling world. This appearance follows his work earlier in the week with Ferrari’s F1 simulator, showing his ability to balance commitments in both motorsport and cycling.
Background: The FACT Team Project
After his failed attempt in 2013 to take over the Spanish Euskaltel-Euskadi team, Alonso announced plans to build a new team from the ground up. The project, registered with cycling’s governing body UCI as FACT (Fernando Alonso Cycling Team), was intended to compete at the highest level of the sport. Alonso’s vision was to see the team debut in the 2015 season, aiming for a place among cycling’s elite squads.
However, progress has not been straightforward. Alonso’s efforts to secure a headline rider reportedly faltered when Peter Sagan, one of the sport’s most sought-after talents, declined to join the team. At the same time, negotiations with a would-be title sponsor from the United Arab Emirates, said to be worth $20 million per year, have not produced a confirmed deal. There have also been suggestions that discussions with the UCI have encountered obstacles, raising questions about whether the necessary regulatory and financial milestones can be met in time for the planned launch.
Challenges and Setbacks
The FACT team project has faced several hurdles. The collapse of the Euskaltel-Euskadi takeover meant Alonso had to start from scratch, requiring significant investment and planning. Securing a top rider is crucial for a new team to gain credibility and attract sponsors, but with Sagan declining, the search continues. The lack of a confirmed title sponsor adds further uncertainty, as does the reported difficulty in meeting UCI requirements for entry into the top tier of professional cycling.
Despite these setbacks, Alonso has not abandoned his plans. He has stated that the team is still targeting a 2015 debut, and that preparations are ongoing. He emphasised that the project is being managed carefully, respecting the regulations and timelines required by professional cycling. Alonso described the process as gradual, saying there is no rush as the aim is to establish the team on a solid foundation. He has also acknowledged the need to learn and adapt, as cycling is a different world from Formula One.
Current Status and Future Prospects
As of May 2014, the FACT team’s final line-up and sponsors remain unconfirmed. Alonso’s continued public commitment, however, suggests he is not ready to abandon the project. His approach is methodical, focusing on building a team that can compete at the highest level rather than rushing to meet deadlines. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the necessary deals can be struck in time for a 2015 start. If successful, Alonso’s entry into professional cycling could bring significant attention and new investment to the sport, given his profile as a world-class athlete from another discipline.
Alonso’s efforts are being watched closely by both the cycling and motorsport communities. Should the FACT team make its debut as planned, it would mark a rare crossover of talent and ambition from Formula One into the world of professional cycling. For now, all eyes remain on Alonso as he works behind the scenes to turn his vision into reality.
Related Reading
- McLaren’s Boullier admits unanswered questions over Alonso crash
- Montreal rumour says Ferrari to axe Raikkonen
- Renault to have 'new power unit' in 2015
