Tinkoff to end sponsorship of Contador's team

Riis's team finished the 2013 Tour de France at the top of the team classification, but Riis said that finding common ground to renew the sponsorship deal with Tinkoff had proved impossible.

"During the course of our extensive negotiations with Tinkoff Bank it has become clear that we are unable to settle on common views and the ideas that are necessary for our partnership to grow and be successful," the statement quoted Riise as saying.

"Most importantly, we disagree on how the team should be run. For all of these reasons, I have decided to explore other possibilities and end the negotiations with Tinkoff Bank."

Reports before the Tour last month said that credit card supplier Tinkoff wanted to become sole sponsor of the team.

Riis thanked Tinkoff for their support which began last year, adding that co-title sponsor Saxo Bank of Denmark would continue.

"We already have a strong portfolio of partners onboard, and our key partner Saxo Bank have told us that they are ready to continue their sponsorship in 2014," the statement said.

The team's leading rider is Spaniard Alberto Contador who finished fourth in the Tour.