Hans-Michael Holczer, manager of Team Gerolsteiner has announced that they still haven't been able to close the deal with a new sponsor. Apparently they are still trying and if I understand correctly will postpone a final decision until September. It still means big trouble with the Tour just days away. With todays labourmarket for bikeriders I don't expect too many of Gerolsteiners key riders will be patient enough to wait for Holczer to find new money. No one should be surprised when we hear them announce new teams after the Tour, Rebellin already appears to be close to finding a new contract. No sponsor-announcement means loss of riders which in turn makes finding a new sponsor even more difficult. That looks like a downward spiral that they will have a hard time escaping.

My guess is that it hasn't been easy to find a new sponsor in Germany with the current disillusionment with cycling there. Also, Gerolsteiner doesn't have the PR-savvy of CSC , Slipstream and High Road. Their presence in the media  consist mainly of Holczer shooting his mouth off at random issues, you rarely see the positive spin and added value to sponsors that others provide. If asked I think most of us would be hard pressed to name any of his sponsors and that is poor result in a business where your main mission is to create exposure for your partners.