Team risks missing Giro d'Italia

The Italian cycling team Bardiani CSF 7 Saber, currently ranked 31st in the UCI World Ranking, faces the possibility of missing the Giro d'Italia for the first time since 1982. The Giro d'Italia, one of cycling's most prestigious races, requires teams to be within the top 30 in the UCI rankings to qualify.

Director warns of team closure

Bruno Reverberi, the team's director and leader for nearly 40 years, mentioned in a podcast that the team could stop operating within two years. Reverberi has been instrumental in the team's management and has faced challenges in maintaining its position in elite cycling.

Criticism of UCI ranking system

Reverberi criticized the UCI's ranking system, claiming it has harmed the sport of cycling and contributed to its decline. He argued that the current system places undue pressure on teams and makes it difficult for smaller teams to compete effectively.

Financial and contractual adjustments

The team has signed new riders on one-year contracts and has not pursued new sponsorships due to financial difficulties. This approach reflects the team's current financial constraints and its strategy to manage resources carefully amid uncertainty.

Previous Giro absence due to doping

Bardiani CSF 7 Saber previously missed the 2009 Giro d'Italia after one of its riders, Emanuele Sella, tested positive for EPO, a banned performance-enhancing drug. This incident marked a significant setback for the team and highlighted the risks associated with doping in professional cycling.