Two former Zaaf Cycling Team riders have been prevented from racing at La Vuelta Femenina, according to reports from journalist Charles Marsault at the cycling website Velo-Club (opens in new tab) on Saturday, just two days before the start of the Women’s WorldTour held from May 1-7 in Spain.
New Zealand’s Michaela Drummond, who left the Zaaf Cycling Team on April 17 and signed a contract to race with Spanish team Farto-BTC, confirmed that she will not be at the start of the seven-day race. She wrote in a post to her social media account that the Spanish Cycling Federation has not permitted her registration to compete with her new team in the event.
“From one challenge to another, we found a new home at Farto-BTC Women’s Cycling Team, and I was excited to be gearing up for the Vuelta Feminina, but the Spanish Cycling Federation has refused to register me like my previous teammates who have successfully transferred to new Continental and WWT Teams,” Drummond wrote.
“I would love to be able to race again as soon as possible, and can’t understand why the Spanish Cycling Federation does not follow the example set by the UCI. This is just one more hurdle for the mind to overcome, and we aren’t done yet. Fingers crossed, we can find a resolution soon. Thanks to those who have sent messages of support.”
Debora Silvestri was part of the Zaaf Cycling Team until the UCI removed it from its list of registered Continental-licenced women’s teams on April 27. She is the ninth rider to leave the team, which started with 15 riders in January.
Silvestri announced her official departure from the Zaaf Cycling Team on Sunday but has not been named to a new team yet.
“Unfortunately, the adventure with Zaaf is over. I won’t say nothing more from what media are saying, only things haven’t gone how they had to go. I just want say a big good luck and big thanks to all the nice girls I met in this team. It’s not the end, maybe some news are coming,” Silvestri wrote.
The Spanish-registered team is currently under investigation after the majority of its riders have walked away from the programme amid allegations that they have not paid some riders and staff salaries and that they have shown a lack of professionalism.
Cyclingnews has contacted the Zaaf Cycling Team to clarify the team’s financial situation, along with the allegations that they have not paid some riders and staff and allegations of a lack of professionalism, but the team has not responded.
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