Alberto Contador’s WorldTour outfit was transferred to Russian entrepreneur Oleg Tinkov on 22 May 2026, marking a three‑year deal that rebrands the squad as Tinkoff‑Saxo and secures the two‑time Tour de France winner’s place for the coming seasons.
What happened?
Bjarne Riis announced at a London press conference that his cycling team, which lists Alberto Contador among its riders, has been purchased by Oleg Tinkov. The transaction was confirmed on Monday, and the new name – Tinkoff‑Saxo – will appear on jerseys starting with the next race weekend. Riis will remain as general manager, while Saxo Bank steps in as the secondary sponsor after Tinkoff Bank withdrew in October following a tense season involving Contador.
Why does the sale matter for Alberto Contador?
The deal injects fresh capital into a roster that includes the 2007 and 2009 Tour champion. Contador, now in his early forties, has been navigating a comeback after a two‑year injury layoff. With Tinkov’s backing, the team promises upgraded equipment, a larger support staff, and a more ambitious race calendar. Those resources could give Contador the platform to target a final Grand Tour podium before retirement.
How will the new ownership affect team dynamics?
Tinkov’s involvement brings a Russian‑focused financial group that plans to expand the squad’s presence in Eastern Europe. Saxo Bank, already a long‑time partner, will handle day‑to‑day sponsorship duties, meaning the riders won’t see a drastic shift in kit design. Riis staying on board suggests continuity in training methods, which should help Contador maintain his established routine while adapting to any new performance analytics the owner wants to implement.
What comes next for the squad?
The rebranded Tinkoff‑Saxo will debut at the upcoming Tour of the Basque Country, scheduled for early June. Contador is slated to lead the team in the race, aiming to test his form against rivals like Primož Roglič and Egan Bernal. If the new budget allows for additional domestiques, the squad could become a stronger contender in the upcoming WorldTour events, giving Contador a realistic chance to add another major win to his résumé.
How does this fit into the broader cycling market?
The sale reflects a growing trend of wealthy investors entering professional cycling, seeking brand exposure through sport. Tinkov’s previous involvement with Tinkoff Team ended abruptly, but his return signals confidence in the sport’s commercial appeal. For riders like Contador, such investments can mean longer contracts and more stability, especially as the sport navigates post‑pandemic financial challenges.
What are the risks?
Any ownership change carries uncertainty. While Tinkov promises long‑term stability, the team must still meet UCI licensing requirements and deliver results to justify the partnership. Contador’s age and recent injury history add another layer of risk; a poor performance could prompt the new owners to reassess his role.
The next few months will reveal whether Tinkoff‑Saxo can translate its fresh funding into podium finishes and whether Alberto Contador can seize the opportunity to cement his legacy before hanging up his wheels.