Astana Qazaqstan acquiring the services of Mark Cavendish has led to the team losing a sponsor. Eyewear supplier Scicon pulled out of their agreement after Cavendish brought Oakley with him as a personal sponsor.
According to a report from Cycling Weekly sister publication Cyclingnews, the sponsor conflict led to tensions during Cavendish’s contract negotiations with the Kazakh team, and now to the termination of Scicon’s contract with the Alexander Vinokourov-managed squad.
As a result of the issue, Cavendish is no longer the only Astana rider wearing Oakleys this season, with various other riders swapping away from their previous eyewear provider. Astana told Cyclingnews that Scicon is no longer a partner, and that they are working on bringing a new sponsor to the team.
