2007 Vuelta a Asturias in doubt

By Antonio J. Salmerón

Tuesday's edition of La Nueva España announced that the 2007 Vuelta a Asturias is in serious doubts after striking financial difficulties. According to the Spanish newspaper,"The organization remains without a major sponsor and now, the responsibility falls to the regional government," in order to be registered on the national cycling calendar at the end of this month. "The Vuelta a Asturias is in danger of disappearance," warned the Asturian race director, Julio Alvarez Mendo. The Vuelta a Asturias celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, but is now in doubt following Cajastur's withdrawal as the event's major sponsor. Cajastur's withdrawal has left the Asturian Government as the event's only major sponsor. Cajastur had provided approximately 40% of the event's budget, with the rest provided by city councils and other sponsorships.