Rund um die Nürnberger Altstadt loses main sponsor

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The future of Germany's Rund um die Nürnberger Altstadt races may be be in doubt, after its principal sponsor Nürnberger Versicherung announced that it would cease its sponsorship of the event. The German insurance company, which has sponsored the races for 19 years, had earlier this year announced that it will also stop sponsoring the Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung women's team.

The company indicated that cycling's reputation for doping problems was partially responsible, and that it was not receiving the hoped-for returns for its long-time sponsorship. In the future it intends to concentrate its sponsorship involvement in other sports.

Rund um die Nürnberger Altstadt, held in September, features not only a race for the men, but is also the final race in the Women's World Cup. The insurance company was the largest financial contributor to the races, contributing an estimated 180,000 Euro this year. The city of Altstadt said will try to find a new sponsor for the day of races

The men's event at this year's event was won by Francesco Gavazzi (Lampre - NGC), while the women's World Cup race was won by Kirsten Wild (Cervélo).

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