An investigation in Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport by renowned journalist Marco Bonarrigo has claimed that numerous Italian riders pay to obtain contracts with teams, with some forced to give back part of their official salary via secret bank accounts and illegal contracts.
Team managers from the Southeast, Bardiani-CSF and Androni-Sidermec all denied the practice but several rider agents admitted that the system is widespread, with one agent, who wished to remain anonymous, admitting that most of the 15 riders he works with pay to race. The investigation focused on Italy. Similar illegal practices are suspected in other countries but are not believed to be as widespread as in Italy.
It seems that riders are so desperate to turn professional after years of riding as an amateur that they are ready to accept virtually any kind of illegal agreement. However, this favours riders who can, or are willing, to pay and weakens the quality of the Italian peloton, while others quit the sport or try their hand with teams in other countries. Italian teams won just one WorldTour race in 2015 and Lampre-Merida is the only team in the WorldTour, while 35 of the best Italian riders preferring to ride for WorldTour based in other countries. Around 150 Italian riders compete for places in Professional Continental or Continental teams in Italy and elsewhere.
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The Italian riders' association claims it is trying to fight the problem but can do little if the riders continue to accept the conditions forced on them by teams.
“Most of my riders pay, between 25,000 and 50,000 Euro,” the anonymous agent told Corriere della Sera. “Teams registered in Italy ask for more because they have to pay higher pension contributions, those in the Ukraine or Croatia much less. Sometimes the riders’ parents or relatives pay because they want a professional rider in their family. Sometimes a ‘friendly’ company pays and if the sum is high enough can even secure a place on the team jersey.”
Former Tuscan amateur rider Matteo Mammini told Corriere della Sera that he was asked to pay 50,000 Euro to turn professional. He asked the bank for a loan but preferred to use the money to open a bar. Mammini was one of the best Italian riders in 2012, finishing fourth at the European under 23 championships and sixth in the world championships.
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