Photo via Cyclingnews

'Lack of funding' forces long-standing women's Continental team to close after 18 seasons

After nearly two decades in the international sport, the Hitec Products-Fluid Control squad will fold when the 2026 campaign concludes. Team leadership confirmed that financial shortfalls prevented the Norwegian outfit from securing backing for another year in the professional ranks.

Since its establishment in 2009, the organization has served as a vital training ground for more than a hundred competitors, including numerous athletes who later advanced to top-tier WorldTour squads. Past competitors under the team banner featured notable riders such as Elisa Longo Borghini and Emma Johansson, while recent graduate Sigrid Haugset secured a notable stage victory during the Tour de France Femmes.

The dissolution leaves Norway without representation at the Continental or ProTeam levels, echoing recent contractions in the nation's cycling infrastructure despite a deep talent pool.

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