Bjarne Riis has left NTT Pro Cycling and the African WorldTour team is fighting to continue the sport and secure its future in 2021.

Riis joined the team earlier this year to focus on performance and racing. He and his business partners Jan Beck Andersen and Lars Seel Christensen had planned to purchase a 30% stake in the team, but this plan also fell through and Riis has now lost his role in the sport.

Japanese technology company NTT announced the end of its sponsorship in September, threatening the team's future. Riis recently doubted that the team would find a new backer, but team president Douglas Ryder, who is trying to keep the team alive, dismissed his words.

"It's a tough world today economically, some companies are really struggling, some are not. But we are very close to being on the road next year," Ryder said last week.

Rider's team did not make the UCI's 2021 team list, but registration is still open after the deadline, albeit for an additional fee.

"I think in the next couple of days we can make plans to move forward for 2021," Ryder said last week, but no other news was announced.

Rice admitted to the Danish media that he was unaware of the possibility of a new sponsor and that he had not spoken to Ryder recently. This was an indication that their relationship was all but over.

Ryder acknowledged Rice's departure in a brief statement Wednesday morning.

"I want to thank Bjarne for the experience and leadership he brought to our environment and for his contributions. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

Reiss was also diplomatic, saying: "It has been a great experience to be a part of NTT Pro Cycling and a unique year for all of us.

"I respect the team Doug has built and want to thank him for this opportunity. I wish him all the best for the future."

NTT Pro Cycling continues to fight to secure their future and said that "further updates on the sustainability of the team will follow."

Eight riders, including hour record holder Victor Kampenaerts, are under contract with the team through 2021, but the entire roster and staff were encouraged to look for other jobs next year. Many riders have already moved on to other teams.