The future of many Qhubeka NextHash riders and staff became even more uncertain on Thursday with the UCI's decision to deny the South African team a World Tour license for the 2022 season.

As in 2020, the team has been on an extensive sponsorship search in recent months as boss Doug Ryder attempts to save the team for the second year in a row.

Among the riders who have not been able to find a new partner for 2022 and are still waiting to find one is 39-year-old Italian climber Domenico Pozzovivo, a seven-time Grand Tour top-10 finisher.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pozzovivo said he is at a loss for what to do now, adding that the remaining team members have found little encouragement about their situation.

"I was convinced there was still time. At this point, I really don't know what to say or do."

"There is a big group chat within the team and there is great disappointment there. We keep hoping for a good outcome, but it's hard to find a new team in December."

Pozzovivo is one of a number of riders who have yet to find a new team for next season, and with many teams already on or close to registering their riders, the prospects of finding a position are diminishing by the day.

Other riders in the same position include Robert Power, Reinard Janse van Rensburg, Kilian Franchigny, Emil Vinjebo, Andreas Stockbro, Dylan Sunderland and Nicolas Dlamini.

Giacomo Nizzolo (Israel Startup Nation), Victor Kampenaerts (Lot Soudal), Max Valscheidt (Cofidis), Mauro Schmidt (Quick Step - Alpha Vinyl), Michal Gogle ( Alpecin Phoenix), and others have already signed contracts with other teams. Meanwhile, Fabio Al and Matteo Perucki have retired.

Last year, apparel manufacturer Asos stepped in to support the ailing team through 2021.