An uncertain future for Team Wiesenhof

What does a team do when its sponsor announces that it is pulling the plug? Admit to being shocked, accept the decision and then wonder what to do next, is what Team Wiesenhof's general manager Raphael Schweda is doing.

Gruppe Wiesenhof announced Thursday morning that it would end its sponsoring as of the end of this year, citing "the current situation in professional cycling."

Schweda said he was sorry to hear the news. "It came as a surprise to us. The image of our team is outstanding and ... the team was and is on the best way to climb up into the top league.

"Under the current circumstances, I can understand this step by a nationwide undertaking and of course I respect their decision, also in light of their year-long engagement in cycling. At this point I cannot say what will happen with the team in the coming season," he concluded.