THE PAULE KA AFFAIR
Geneva is well known as one of Europe’s most expensive cities, but when Bigla-Katusha team manager Thomas Campana met businessman Matthias Thoma for coffee in the Swiss city, he had no idea what it would cost. Katusha, both withdrew backing with immediate effect, leaving his squad with no funds. Though the bank guarantee that teams are required to lay with the UCI was released to pay the riders, including British star Lizzy Banks, that left no money for travel, accommodation or the usual sundries of running a team. The situation was dire.
Thoma was in the process of buying the struggling French fashion brand Paule Ka, and his interest had been piqued when he read of the team’s plight. With plans to add more young-women orientated products to the Parisian company’s more classic
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days