Mitchelton Scott team owner Jerry Ryan described the change in team management as a "new era" and said the team is "on track" and under construction for 2021-2022, with the possibility of new sponsors.

The Australian men's and women's World Tour teams have had a difficult and confusing three weeks since announcing that they will operate as Team Manuela Fundacion and unveiling their new blue and pink colors.

Ryan later declined to sell the team to Spanish businessman Francisco Huertas, promising to pay riders and staff in full starting in August after cutting their salaries to just 30% when the COVID-19 pandemic hit his business interests.

Manuela Fundacion now admits that she will not take over the team and is considering other options. Ryan has appointed Brent Copeland, who was the team manager for Bahrain-Merida until last year, as the team's new manager, and former commercial advisor Darrack McQuaid has been named chairman.

In the midst of the chaos, Ryan has kept a low profile, but told "Ride Media" some of the reasons for his decision.

"I'm doing fine. I've been busy reorganizing and restructuring the cycling team. So far the response has been positive and we are moving forward into a new era. There is a lot of work to be done. So we never look back, we look forward," Ryan told RideMedia (opens in new tab) in a brief exchange.

"I've known Brent for a couple of years now. Shayne introduced me to him and we stayed in the same hotel as the team and I was impressed with his style. I thought he would be a great fit for the team."

Ryan and Bannan worked closely together for many years to run the Mitchelton Scott team, and Ryan's love of the sport was evident as he visited the Tour Down Under, Giro d'Italia, and Tour de France. Discussions with Manuela Fundacion were apparently led by Banan and experienced management representative Alvaro Crespi, but one thing led to the end of their relationship.

"He did a great job, but it was time for a change and a new direction," Ryan said of Banan when asked about the Manuela Fundacion project.

"We ended up with different philosophies and different visions of where we were going.

Rather than divulge further details, Ryan looked to the future.

"I'm keeping my head down. a) To finish the season. Hopefully we can get the riders back on their bikes and make the COVID-19 protocol concrete ....... The health of the riders comes first. Safety is the priority. Ensuring that we stick to the plan is a big challenge for any team."

"And b) I want to get back into racing and build the team up for 2021/2022. ...... We are negotiating with several sponsors.