Following the earlier news that two of the top Geox-TMC officials have travelled to Venezuela to carry out crucial negotiations for the future of the team, it appears that those talks are moving in a productive way and that an agreement could potentially be reached soon.
Josean Fernández Matxin, who along with Mauro Gianetti is trying to secure new backing, gave an update on the situation which would appear to bode well.
“I hope this will be the start of a big project!” he stated in Spanish on his Facebook page today. “The dream may come true from a dream country...” He also included a photo of the negotiations (above).
The duo are part of the team’s management company Bike Live, and have been talking with the Venezuelan tourist board. It is reportedly interested in backing the team, presumably on the understanding that it would sign up a number of riders from that country.
If Matxin’s message is an accurate reflection of the situation, it seems that the mood is optimistic.
The Spanish setup has been under threat ever since the main sponsor Geox indicated on October 20th that it was walking away, far earlier than had been originally understood. It had started backing the team prior to the start of this season, and was expected to remain involved for between two to five years.
The 2011 team featured Vuelta champion Juan José Cobo, former race winner Denis Menchov and others. Cobo has already indicated that he will try to stay with the team, while Menchov is thought to be considering a move to Katusha.