MTN told the team of its decision following the conclusion of the Tour de France on Sunday (July 26), citing tough market conditions.

The company, which has reportedly spent close to 100 million Rand (£5 million/$7.9 million/€7.2 million) sponsoring the team since 2013, said it had to assess a number of other engagements as well as the Qhubeka sponsorship.

“We feel we don’t have a return on that investment at the levels of comfort to us,” MTN corporate affairs executive Chris Maroleng told Times Media in Johannesburg.

“It was a big deal to us to end our engagement with Qhubeka because it represented to us not just a South African brand‚ but it also represented to us a Pan African brand.

“Businesses have to make tough decisions around where and how they support partners.”

MTN-Qhubeka performed strongly in the Tour de France after receiving a wild card entry to the prestigious race.

Great Britain’s Steve Cummings won the 178.5 kilometres second stage from Rodez to Mende, while Belgium’s Serge Pauwels finished 13th in the general classification as the team recorded 14 top-10 finishes in all to take fifth spot in the team classification.

Furthermore, Eritrea’s Daniel Teklehaimanot held the King of the Mountains jersey for four days.

Team principal Doug Ryder is not concerned about the future of Qhubeka, he claimed.

“The team has many options going forward‚ huge interest as you can imagine‚ so the future of the team is incredible,” Ryder told Sowetan LIVE.

“There’s no issues there.”

The Tour de France’s official technology partner, Dimension Data, is reportedly set to become Qhubeka’s new title sponsor with the South African company having backed the team this year. 


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