Cycling
Red Bull joins: “Can make the difference”
The takeover of the Bora-hansgrohe racing team by Red Bull should soon get the green light. photo
© Clara Margais/dpa
Red Bull’s entry into German cycling is almost just a formality. Team boss Ralph Denk sees this as a benefit for the entire sport.
The takeover of the German cycling team Bora-hansgrohe Red Bull is a quantum leap for team boss Ralph Denk. “We have to see what evolution looks like in cycling. Red Bull has shown in other sports that they can make the difference,” said the 50-year-old. For his team, the commitment is the next big step.
The beverage company’s takeover of 51 percent of the racing team should get the green light by the end of the month. Objections can still be lodged with the Austrian Federal Competition Authority until January 26th, but this is not expected. After Formula 1 and football, the company will invest in cycling, another global sport.
Partnership at eye level
Denk himself is not afraid of being forced out of the team he founded as a result of the takeover. “I know Red Bull from other projects and I’m not afraid,” said the Bavarian. Rather, it is a partnership of equals. So far, Bora-hansgrohe’s budget is just under 25 million euros. With Red Bull’s involvement, the amount is likely to increase noticeably. According to reports, the UAE and Ineos teams have the largest budgets in cycling at around 50 million euros.
Despite the new donor, Denk repeated his call for regulations, whether these be budget or salary caps. “My opinion hasn’t changed,” emphasized Denk. “It’s much better for the sport and the fan if there are ten or 15 teams fighting for overall victory.” That’s why limits would make sense, as this has also been shown in other sports.
Denk contradicted speculation that he wanted to retire after winning the Tour de France. “I’ll be doing it for a very long time,” said the entrepreneur. “I love what I do and I can’t do anything other than cycling. That’s why I want to stay in the sport for a long time and I’m motivated.”