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Crédit Agricole fails to find sponsor

Professional cycling team, Crédit Agricole, has failed to find a sponsor to replace the French bank and has released riders to sign for other teams for 2009.

Crédit Agricole has supported the team since 1998, but is ending its sponsorship after this season.

Team director Roger Legeay, told Reuters: “The negotiations I've had with several companies have broken down. As I'd promised, I called all my riders to tell them the news and end the clauses that I'd signed with them.

“I'd fixed August 1 as the deadline with both the potential sponsors and the riders and team staff. The sponsors said no and at the moment I haven't got any other offers.

“The leading riders in the team such as Thor Hushovd, Simon Gerrans, Pierre Rolland, Remi Pauriol and Mark Renshaw have told me they won't make a decision about their future before ringing me. They've given me until August 15 and that gives me a bit of hope. Perhaps this announcement will cause something to happen.”

Crédit Agricole is not alone in looking for a sponsor - the Gerolsteiner team is also looking to replace the German water company for 2009.