The presence of Torku Şekersport in the pro peloton is over. The Turkish Continental team has lost its main sponsor, the local sugar and chocolate industry, and has been unable to find a replacement. As of today, riders and staff on the street, according to Velo-Club.net.

The decision is a huge blow for sports director Lionel Marie who was brought in to restore credibility for the squad. The Turkish team won no less than 26 races in 2015, most notably with climberTomasz Marczynski and talented sprinter Ahmet Örken who achieved seven and ten victories respecitvely. In fact, Ören was the second most successful non-professional U23 rider in 2015 behind Søren Kragh Andersen.

The team has been a controversial one as it won both the 2012 and 2013 Tours of Turkey with Ivailo Gabrovski and Mustafa Sayar respectively, only two see both of them test positive later. Marie was brought in to change its reputation and the team has had no scandals in the past two years.

Since Torku-Şekerspor have shared the news of Velo-Club.net via Twitter, the rumours are likely to be true.