Dutch sponsor Rabobank has decided leave the sport following the USADA's publication of evidence related to doping in cycling.
Bart Bruggink a member of Rabobank’s managing board said:
“It is with pain in our heart, but for the bank this is an inevitable decision”
“We are no longer convinced that the international professional world of cycling can make this a clean and fair sport”
On Tuesday one of Rabobank's own riders, Carlos Barredo, was suspended after the UCI launched an investigation into doping against the Spaniard. An allegation which Barredo denies.
Rabobank were also embroiled in a doping scandal in 2007, when Michael Rasmussen was withdrawn from the Tour de France whilst he was in the lead after missing two drugs tests and lying about his whereabouts.
The team which boasts riders such as Robert Gesink, Bauke Mollema, and Matthew Renshaw will still survive for a least one more year. Rabobank have agreed to honour it's contracts for the 2013 season. But the team's shirts will not bare the Rabobank name.
The bank's withdrawal has also cast doubt over the survival of the Rabobank women's cycling team which includes Olympic champion Marianne Vos. Although Rabobank have promised to support Vos's individual ambitions until 2016.
Despite its claim to be leaving the sport on ethical grounds the Dutch bank's decision has provoked criticism.
British rider and anti-doping campaigner David Miller said on Twitter,
“How dare you walk away from your young clean guys who are part of the solution. Sickening."
Meanwhile former Irish Olympic coach Dave Smith said on Twitter,
“Fact that the Rabobank decision includes the women’s team suggest that it’s a commercial decision not an ethical one. USADA provided excuse.”