Fernando Alonso’s Euskaltel-Euskadi Cycling Team Takeover Falls Through
Ferrari F1 driver Fernando Alonso’s negotiations to acquire the Euskaltel-Euskadi cycling team collapsed in late September 2013, ending hopes of his immediate entry into professional cycling.
Fernando Alonso’s attempt to take over the Euskaltel-Euskadi professional cycling team collapsed after talks failed to reach agreement by late September 2013. The double Formula One world champion, then driving for Ferrari, had entered advanced negotiations earlier in the month to acquire the team’s WorldTour licence and keep the Basque squad alive for the 2014 season.
Euskaltel-Euskadi, a fixture in the professional peloton since the 1990s, faced closure after its title sponsor withdrew support. Alonso, a well-known cycling enthusiast, saw an opportunity to rescue the team and announced on social media that negotiations were underway. The deal, if completed, would have seen Alonso take over the team’s licence and infrastructure, ensuring its place in the top tier of international cycling.
By 23 September, Alonso confirmed via Twitter that the talks had broken down. He cited insurmountable obstacles in finalising the agreement, stating that it had proven impossible to secure the team’s future for the 2014 season. The precise reasons for the collapse were not made public, but reports indicated that contractual and organisational complexities were at the heart of the impasse.
Alonso’s future cycling ambitions
Despite the failed takeover, Alonso made clear that his interest in professional cycling had not diminished. He indicated he would consider building a new team from the ground up, targeting entry for the 2015 season instead. This commitment suggested he remained keen to translate his passion for cycling into a management or ownership role, even if the Euskaltel-Euskadi route was closed.
For Euskaltel-Euskadi’s riders and staff, the failed deal meant the immediate threat of unemployment, as the team had already warned of closure without new investment. The collapse of negotiations left little time to secure alternative backing before the 2014 season. Alonso’s public statements maintained that he would continue working towards a future cycling project, but no immediate rescue was forthcoming for the Basque squad.
Context within Alonso’s career
Alonso’s pursuit of a cycling team came during a period of continued prominence in Formula One. His efforts to diversify into sports management reflected a wider trend of high-profile athletes seeking influence beyond their primary discipline. While the 2013 attempt ended without success, Alonso later reiterated his ambition to return to the idea, as reported in subsequent seasons. For further details on Alonso’s ongoing cycling interests, see Alonso presses on with plans for professional cycling team.
