Contract news: Ryan Mullen of Cannondale-Drapac has recently won the Irish TT and road titles and a TT bronze at the European Championships. He may now need to find a new employer given the latest developments (Photo: DC Images)
Ryan Mullen Cannondale-Drapac contract at risk
Ryan Mullen signing an anticipated new contract with Cannondale-Drapac is at risk after the squad lost a promised sponsor for next year.
The Irish road and TT champion is coming to the end of a two-year contract with the team. A contract extension would have been expected.
But the squad has told all of its riders they can look for other teams because of the problems it has encountered.
The team needs $7 million extra to continue next year, even though its current sponsors are remaining.
Cannondale-Drapac believed it had lined up a major sponsor for next year. As a result the team’s survival was assured.
Advertisement
But that deal has fallen apart. And Jonathan Vaughters and Slipstream Sports now have very little time to find an alternative backer.
Mullen (23) has adapted well to the pro ranks. And there should be no shortage of teams looking to sign him if it comes to that.
His Irish titles, 5th in the Worlds TT last year and a TT bronze in the European Championships this year all add to his prospects.
Related News
Aqua Blue Sport is one team that may be in the market. Eddie Dunbar has just signed for the Irish squad. And Irish fans would love to see Mullen following him there.
Rigoberto Uran, who has ridden so well for Cannondale-Drapac this year, has said he will give Vaughters two more weeks before he needs to move on and make alternative arrangements.
The Colombian was 2nd in the Tour de France and won a stage. Furthermore, he had committed to the team for the future, with a contract in place for the next three years.
However, Vaughters and his staff have now been plunged into a battle for survival. As a result, the company/team released a statement at the weekend outlining its position.
"On Saturday morning, Slipstream Sports notified all riders and staff of the uncertainty of our organization's future,” it said.
“Yesterday management received some discouraging news about a new partner we anticipated joining us in 2018.
“Without this partner's support, we cannot guarantee our financial security and subsequently our UCI WorldTour license for 2017.
"We remain hopeful that this situation may resolve itself in the next few days. And that the team may find new financial backing.
“However, without this guarantee, we felt an obligation to the individuals who make up our team to notify them of our current situation and give them time to look for their best options.
Cannondale-Drapac sponsors honouring contracts
"All Slipstream Sports staff have been released from any and all contractual obligations for 2018. All 2018 contracts will be honoured if our future is secured.
"Our current sponsors and partners (Cannondale, Drapac, Oath, POC) have remained committed to support our team in 2018.
“These sponsors have lived up to their promises; however, without additional financial backing, the numbers simply don't add up."
Topics
