Kern Pharma’s cry for help: "I’m not going to throw in the towel, I couldn’t live if I don’t fight to save the team"

On the tightrope. He Kern Pharma cycling team could be giving its last legs in La Vuelta after the announced departure of the main sponsor at the conclusion of this season. MD has spoken to him head of the team, Juanjo Oroz (45 years). This former professional cyclist and sports director of the Navarrese team analyzes the present and future of a team that plays in the second division of international cycling (ICU Pro Team), and which reached one of its high points in La Vuelta of 2024, with the two victories of Pablo Castrillo and Urko Berrade.

In what spirit is the Kern Pharma Team facing La Vuelta?

The team is super good, both riders and staff. We are facing the race very well, in very good shape. It was the goal of the year, since we know how difficult it is to be here and what a great opportunity it represents. So far, performance is excellent. We have been to all the escapes. We decided to face each stage as if it were a classic. We are clear that the general classification is not for us and we came to La Vuelta to compete in the race with the riders who had the most options.

So, what were the team’s objectives in La Vuelta?

Two very clear. Make more merits for the continuity of the project and win a stage. We are in good shape and we have to exhaust our options.

This is a special edition, as it could be the team’s last presence in a grand tour.

It is being a brutal survival exercise. We are not going to deny that, with the uncertainty of the future, it has been a year of continuous improvement, and it is something that makes me feel proud of the team. The union here makes the difference.

It must not have been or be easy to live with this uncertainty.

Not easy. We have an opportunity to defend our future in one of the best races, we are not in La Vuelta to catch the lamentations speech. The team has taken the path of fighting for the future. No matter how much they tell us that it is very difficult, we believe in ourselves and in what we do, and we are going to fight until the last day; and I must say that the affection of the people moves us.

Let’s talk clearly, what is the future of the team? Do you see continuity?

Before the Tour we had to look for continuity to have a team of this level (UCI Pro Team). We are among the 30 best teams in the world (27th), and this issue must have a solution before October 5. Whatever happens, I must say that dreams have no expiration date and we are going to continue fighting. We would like to maintain the continuity of this project and, if it has to be a lower level, we would do it because we believe in what we do.

Kern Pharma ends seven-year sponsorship.

We are very grateful. Two years ago we had terrible success – in La Vuelta they achieved three wins, Pablo Castrillo (2) and Urko Berrade – and I have always said that if they had not bet on us we would not have achieved the results achieved. Things change, but their behavior has always been good, and until the last day we will try to continue doing it just as well or better.

And, with the resume they have, it is not surprising that no one joins the project. Surely he has searched even under the stones.

Yes, yes, even under the stones. There have been people who have come forward to try to help. We are experiencing all kinds of situations, new situations, and it has not been easy for us. Given this, we have teamed up and have been bringing out great cyclists. And we are very good at making teams, producing great cyclists and we are going through a new situation. We are one of the best 30 teams and we have to show it to the world and make them see that we are interested. We have sown good seeds. But we need time. Now we have to go through this hardest part, but my thoughts are on overcoming it.

When you learned that Kern Pharma would not continue, was there no option to negotiate, even if it were downwards?

The deal has been good and what it is about is finding a leader for the future of the project. We are grateful to you for your support over the years.

It was in March when it was learned that Kern Pharma would not continue. In all this time, hasn’t there been any other company interested?

I have come to think that we have not known how to show how well we do, since we receive countless compliments, and I want to emphasize the love we receive from people every day. Maybe I don’t know how to transmit it, it will be a matter of learning. We are giving everything and I am convinced that we will find the key. It’s a matter of continuing to work and we are doing it well. I’m not going to throw in the towel, I couldn’t live if I don’t fight.

Did you talk to the administrations?

Also, but everything is very difficult. We don’t put up a barrier. We are open. We have demonstrated worth and ability to adapt. We have to keep knocking on doors, and in some of them we are waiting for a response. There is hope, I am very optimistic. We are in talks.

How much money are we talking about?

Money is not a problem. We want to continue, meet the requirements and re-align ourselves with that company that wants to walk the path with us.

What will happen to the team on December 31 if there is no Kern Pharma replacement? Will the team disappear, will it operate under another name in the same category?

Yes, what happens is that there is also the possibility of closing, if you don’t have a budget there comes a time when you need money, not just love.

There are many people and families who depend on the team.

In the professional team we are about 48 people, but if we add the amateur team and some others there are more than 80 people. That is, almost 50 families live directly from the cycling team. You feel a responsibility and you want to do everything so that the project continues and we fight for them and for those that are yet to come. We are the team in the world that has the most runners who have passed through its quarry.

And what will happen to the Finisher team, the training team?

We have to guarantee its continuity, which we do not have. The situation is uncomfortable.

In the face of such uncertainty, is it difficult for you to sleep?

I think about it 24 hours a day. They have been very hard moments. I cannot deny this, but I also recognize that I have spoken to people honestly, I told them the real situation. The team has known this since June, when we told them that we could not give them a contract for next year. I trust that we can give them joy, greater or lesser.