Canyon//SRAM cuts ties with zondacrypto amid growing scrutiny of the sponsor’s background

The team insisted in a press release that its long-term future remains secure despite the sudden change, stressing that the decision marks the start of a new chapter rather than a threat to its ambitions. Both the WorldTour squad and its development team will now race as Canyon//SRAM and Canyon//SRAM Generation.

The partnership with zondacrypto had only recently been reflected in the team’s public identity, but the process of removing the branding is already underway. Canyon//SRAM is updating its digital platforms, equipment, team clothing and formal UCI registration, with the transition expected to be completed by August 1, 2026.

Team manager Ronny Lauke said the organisation was ready to move on after following the required contractual and legal steps.

“We have respected all contractual obligations and legal procedures, but are now happy to draw a line and move forward,” Lauke said. “Our focus is entirely on what comes next.”

Canyon//SRAM has been one of the defining teams in women’s cycling for more than a decade. Its record includes overall victory at the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift with Kasia Niewiadoma, as well as a long-standing commitment to developing new talent through initiatives such as Zwift Academy and Canyon//SRAM Generation.

The latter was one of the first development structures of its kind to be built alongside a Women’s WorldTour programme, underlining the team’s wider role in the growth of the sport beyond results alone.

Lauke pointed to that foundation as a reason for confidence at a potentially disruptive moment in the middle of the racing season.

“Over many years, we have built a strong organisation backed by visionary partners, experienced staff and talented riders who all believe in what this team stands for,” he said. “For more than 10 years, we have proven on the world’s biggest stages that the team is built to perform at the highest level and built to last.”

The team did not specify the nature of the alleged breaches. The decision, however, follows weeks of mounting scrutiny around Zondacrypto, after reports in both Polish and international media raised questions over the company’s financial position and legal situation. Domestique had previously received information related to the matter and contacted the team several times for comment, but did not receive a response.

Polish authorities have been examining allegations involving fraud and money laundering, while officials have referred to complaints from customers who said they were unable to access or withdraw funds. Staff quoted by Money.pl allege that Zondacrypto’s debts could exceed 500 million złoty, around €118 million.

Zondacrypto has denied wrongdoing. CEO Przemysław Kral has rejected allegations surrounding the company, including claims of links to Russian criminal networks, calling them “absurd” in comments reported by Polish media.

Canyon//SRAM is not the first cycling property to distance itself from the exchange. As reported by Escape Collective, the Tour de Suisse had announced Zondacrypto in March as sponsor of its young rider classification, but later ended the agreement with immediate effect, saying the partnership had proved “unsustainable”.