with the new 2026-2028 3 years WT cycle. I think Total, the sponsor, saw how getting a TDF wild card will not be easy. but they want to see their brand and logo in the TDF peloton.
with teams like Uno-X, Tudor, Q36.5 coming strong, this year might be the last one they are sure about the TDF wild card. and the gamble of begging UCI to get a 3rd wild card, like this year (if they'll agree), is not something to rely on.
also, Arkea situation is difficult, Uno-X has passed them, and if they get relegated (they probably will) they won't even be among the guaranteed wild cards.
Arkea folding would be good for the other pro-conti teams looking for wild cards.
we would need Cofidis to get relegated instead of Astana, so that they'll skip the Giro and allow one more wild card. or PicNic to be relegated so that they'd skip Giro or Vuelta.
or, as I was joking before a merger Cofidis-Caja would benefit the Vuelta wild cards
or well, if Total folds and the sponsor moves to Ineos,Tudor and Uno-X will already know they are in for the TDF, it seems normal
I think the Total situation could help Arkea though. if Arkea owners know for certain that Total folds, they can talk to ASO and explain to their potential sponsors they have a 2026 TDF wild card (cause ASO will invite a French tea, if Total disappear)
Arkea management said they must find a sponsor before end of April, otherwise they'll probably close
with teams like Uno-X, Tudor, Q36.5 coming strong, this year might be the last one they are sure about the TDF wild card. and the gamble of begging UCI to get a 3rd wild card, like this year (if they'll agree), is not something to rely on.
also, Arkea situation is difficult, Uno-X has passed them, and if they get relegated (they probably will) they won't even be among the guaranteed wild cards.
Arkea folding would be good for the other pro-conti teams looking for wild cards.
we would need Cofidis to get relegated instead of Astana, so that they'll skip the Giro and allow one more wild card. or PicNic to be relegated so that they'd skip Giro or Vuelta.
or, as I was joking before a merger Cofidis-Caja would benefit the Vuelta wild cards
or well, if Total folds and the sponsor moves to Ineos,Tudor and Uno-X will already know they are in for the TDF, it seems normal
I think the Total situation could help Arkea though. if Arkea owners know for certain that Total folds, they can talk to ASO and explain to their potential sponsors they have a 2026 TDF wild card (cause ASO will invite a French tea, if Total disappear)
Arkea management said they must find a sponsor before end of April, otherwise they'll probably close