Organisers of Tour of the Basque Country and the Clasica San Sebastian facing financial crisis
It is feared that the future of two renowned cycling races, Clasica San Sebastian and the Tour of the Basque Country is in danger because of the financial issues faced by the organisers.
The two races are considered as the oldest cycling events in the region ,with 51 editions of the Basque Country race and 31 of the Clasica.
It is truly a disappointment to see that the future of both the events is uncertain.
It was agreed between the Basque government and the race organisers, Organizaciones Ciclistas Euskadi that the officials will support both the races for a minimum period of four years.
However, the organisers were left shocked after the Basque Government announced to end its association with both the events.
The announcement was made during May 2011 and it was briefed that the financial global crisis is the main reason behind the government’s decision.
A statement from Jaime Ugarte Arce reads, “After 51 editions of the Tour of the Basque Country and 31 of the Clasica, 2012 could see our races disappear from the international cycling map at its highest level, the WorldTour”.
“Aware of the problem that had been created, the Basque government directly involved itself in the search for a new sponsor to fill the void,” Ugarte added.
The Tour of the Basque country is an annual event held since 1924 and the French cyclist Francis Pelissier won the first edition of the race.
Jose Antonio Gonzalez holds the honour of winning the race for a maximum number of four times. He succeeded at the 1972, 1975, 1977 and 1978 versions of the race.
Andreas Kloden of Germany is the most recent winner of the race as he succeeded at the 2011 version of the Spanish race.
The second race, Clasica de San Sebastian is also held annually since 1981.
Spanish cyclist Marino Lejarreta is the first winner of the race and also holds the honour of winning it for a maximum number of three times (1981, 1981 and 1987).
Belgian cycling sensation Philippe Gilbert bagged the victory during the Clasica de San Sebastian 2011.
It is still uncertain if the two races will hold in the season ahead as the Tour of the Basque Country is planned from April 2-7, while the Clasica San Sebastian is still listed on the UCI Pro Tour calendar and is expected on the 14th of August, 2012.
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