With Tour of Andorra almost complete VMP - Argon 18 was more than happy te make some announcements. While the major announcement surrounding the main sponsor is rumoured to be set in stone, it will not be announced until the start of Tour of Bulgaria in July.

Instead CEO ivaneurope was pleased to announce three small-scale deals with Isostar, Citroën and Puma. In a press release the team has stated that "We're pleased to announce partnership deals with Isostar, Citroën and Puma for the 2018 season. Despite the current performance of the team there are still companies willing to invest in the team."

The announcent that Isostar has signed a deal with the team caused speculations about their relationship with the Isostar-Adriatic. Isostar quickly denied claims that they'd end sponsorship for Croatia14's outfit,
stating that "We're fully commitred to our partnership with Croatia's team and our deal with ivaneurope is as minor sponsor and our name would not be featured in the team's (VMP) naming for 2018". Isostar could strenghten the relationship with both teams with ivaneurope expressing willingness for a "strategic alliance" between the teams.

Citroën's deal was brokered with the brand's dealership in Bulgaria -Automotor Corporation - and would offer a wide range of vehicles with the C4 Cactus rumoured to be the team's team car with the Jumper serving as spare parts hub during service.

Puma would provide teamwear to the team, but the race suit is believed to be most likely made by Belgian company Bioracer.

EDIT: The Isostar and Puma deals are declared void due to contractual issues.

jandal7 wrote:
Interesting news about Isostar! Also wondering if there's a connection with Puma as well now Adastra is interesting, going to go more Canadian?

roturn wrote:
Double sponsors were not allowed in the MG in past years. Hence the Isostar/Puma sponsorship can`t really work as those are with croatia and cio already.

Following yet another underwhelming season, which saw the team being overtaken by Statoil in the final weeks, VMP - Argon 18 officially ceases to exist in its current form. The arrivals of the new sponsors would come in full swing once the new transfer season begins, but it's understood that the team is going to make huge changes within its roster as several riders would be most likely released.

100% gone from the team would be numerous riders - Maxime Le Montagner, Jonathon Thire, Mikel Nieve, Jan Stöhr, Daan Rijntjes and Clive Ebejer. Jakob Fuglsang and Maxim Belkov are also likely to leave. Grega Bole would probably be given one last chance at the Slovenia NC and only then would begin negotiations. Ivan Garcia Cortina's and Xhuliano Kamberaj's loans would end after the season and will return to their parent teams - Iberia and Isostar respectively. Nako Georgiev could be loaned out as long as there is a team willing to take him, while Marild Yzeiraj may also exit the team

The only one assured of his place in the team is unsurprisingly Petar Panayotov, who finished just shy off from TOP 50 in the CT standings and the Bulgarian climber, bought from Netlia, is set to be the team's leader. His wage could be reduced, but that depends on the negotiations. Stanislav Zaraliev and Nikolay Mihaylov voiced their concerns about them being deemed redundant to the needs of the team, but they could be retained. Same goes for Thomas Degand and the Romanian duo of Bedros and Petrache.

With many of the riders being shown the door after the season, the team would be most likely very active in the transfer market - trying to get bargain deals mostly from free agents or inter-team deals. It's unknown what direction the team will take in 2018 though.

Croatia14 wrote:
necessary steps - Bole could still be of nice use however if he hast the chance to ride better fitting races more often (as he did f.e. in TDU iirc)