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Swedish gambling company Unibet has removed its sponsorship from its title cycling team according to a company statement, leading the team itself to disband. “we expected it. The riders are free to look for a job with other teams” according to former team manager Koen Terryn.

The companys retreat stems from an ongoing dispute with French race organizers, who did not allow the team to participate in this years Tour De France and Paris-Nice road race, due to the French governments ban on advertising by foreign gambling firms – despite the teams backing by European Union regulators and the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Unibets decision comes at an unfortunate time for cycling. Five days ago Team Discovery Channel – Lance Armstrongs old team -  announced it would disband at the end of the season due to difficulties attracting sponsors arising from recent doping scandals. UCI President Pat McQuaid blamed race organizers for scaring away potential investors and sponsors, noting “if sponsors arent guaranteed their team can race, they wont commit to the sport.”

Last week Unibet released a disappointing financial report noting that the cycling teams legal troubles added to the company missing financial expectations.