Global 6 forced to squeeze diversity strategy in favour of sponsor partnerships
'We're focusing on a new strategy for our partners' team boss James Mitri tells Global Peloton at the Tour of Britain
The '6' in the name of Luxembourg-registered Continental team Global 6 United represents the six continents of the world. The vision of the team since its inception in 2021 has been to create a diverse, global squad, with representatives from all six continents.
"I wanted to do something to grow the sport, make it sustainable, and include riders from all around the world," team boss James Mitri told Global Peloton 12 months ago at the 2023 Tour of Britain in Altrincham of his ambitions upon launching the team.
Global 6 are currently racing their fourth Tour of Britain and have been an active presence in the race so far. South African Callum Ormiston was out in the breakaway on stage one in the Scottish Borders and Italian Giacomo Ballabio has ridden well, placing 13th on day two.
Read more: Tour of Britain: South African Callum Ormiston hoping race will be springboard
Things are difficult for Continental-level men's teams at the moment. Costs are high, the sponsor reservoir is drying up and WorldTour development squads are now squeezing out teams like Global 6 United, taking up race invitations.
For Global 6 United, founded and run by former professional cyclist Mitri, this landscape has led to a diminishing of the globalising vision that launched the outfit, as they look to serve sponsors well and become sustainable.
"We're focusing on a new strategy for our partners, and this is all working," Mitri told Global Peloton after stage one of the Tour of Britain Men in Kelso.
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