Portugal’s national cycling federation has abruptly terminated its major contract for organizing the prestigious Tour of Portugal race and related events, citing repeated financial and contractual breaches by the concession holder.
The Portuguese Cycling Federation (FPC) announced Tuesday that it ended its agreement with Podium Events “with immediate effect.” This action anticipates the contract’s original end date by one year.
The decision also impacts the organization of the Tour of Alentejo and the Tour of Portugal for the Future races.
The FPC stated the termination was due to “repeated non-compliance with contractual and payment obligations” by Podium Events. This situation had worsened over the past year, despite several attempts by the FPC to find an amicable resolution.
The federation, led by former cyclist Cândido Barbosa, said its aim is to “guarantee the defense of public interest, Portuguese cycling as a whole, and the Volta a Portugal itself.”
While acknowledging the “work developed” by Podium Events, the FPC stressed the “essential” nature of complying with contractual obligations.
The FPC expects to make decisions “very soon” regarding a new organizational model for the Tour of Portugal and the other affected races.