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Fernando Alonso will not have a cycling team in 2015, International Cycling Union confirms

Fernando Alonso
Image: Fernando Alonso has not applied for either top or second-tier licences for 2015

The International Cycling Union has confirmed that Fernando Alonso will not have a cycling team racing next year.

The sport’s world governing body released a list of teams who have applied for either top-tier WorldTour or second-division Pro Continental licences for 2015 and Alonso’s potential squad were not on it.

The two-time Formula 1 world champion has been working towards creating a cycling team for the past year.

In a follow-up statement, the UCI said: “Over the last few months the UCI has had very cordial and productive discussions with Fernando Alonso and his representatives concerning a possible team for 2015.

“Whilst this has not led to a team for 2015, we thank Fernando Alonso for his interest and engagement and look forward to continuing discussions with him and/or his advisers if they wish to pursue that interest further.”

The deadline for applications for 2015 racing licences expired on October 1. However, when asked if the UCI would accept a late application from Alonso, a spokesman did not rule out the possibility. He said: "The UCI can only state that Fernando Alonso and/or his representatives have not submitted any registration file."

More from 2014 Cycling News

As it stands, there will be only 17 teams on next year’s WorldTour, as opposed to 18 in 2014. Cannondale are folding their team and will instead sponsor the Slipstream Sports squad currently known as Garmin-Sharp.

IAM Cycling had been rumoured to have been interested in filling Cannondale’s place, but the UCI listed the Swiss team as remaining on the Pro Continental tour in its release on Wednesday.

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