Argos Shimano seeks to step up a level, Lotto Belisol registration slightly delayed
The UCI has confirmed that all bar one of the current ProTeams [those with a licence to ride WorldTour events – ed.] have applied for registration in that category for 2013, and that Argos Shimano is currently vying to step up to that level from its current Pro Continental status.
Lotto-Belisol is currently missing from the list, but the team has confirmed that while there is a slight delay, there is no major issue.
“We have sent all the information but missed one document. The UCI knows it, it is an administrative issue and it will have it this week or the beginning of next week,” said team spokesman Arne Houtekier to VeloNation. “All of our riders have a contract for 2014, and there is no problem. We expect to be on the list when it is next updated.”
Those currently holding a WorldTour licence for 2013 but requiring registration are the following: Astana Pro Team, BMC Racing Team, Cannondale, FDJ, Katusha, Lampre – Merida, Movistar Team, Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team, Orica Greenedge, Radioshack Nissan, Sky Procycling and Vacansoleil – DCM Pro Cycling Team.
Ag2r La Mondiale, Euskaltel Euskadi, Garmin Sharp, Rabobank Cycling Team and Team Saxo – Tinkoff are seeking to renew their licences.
Team Argos – Shimano lost out last year when its sporting ranking put it just outside the top twenty, the cutoff point to seek a licence. It has fortified its lineup and is regarded as having a solid chance.
The UCI has also confirmed the current list for Pro Continental licences, the second division in the sport. Just fifteen teams have applied at this point in time, although further additions may end up being made. The squads are Accent Jobs – Wanty, Androni Giocattoli, Bardiani – CSF Inox, Caja Rural, CCP Polsat Polkowice, Champion System Pro Cycling Team, Iam Cycling, Landbouwkrediet – Euphony, MTN – Qhubeka, Sojasun, Team Europcar, Team Netapp – Endura, Topsport Vlaanderen – Baloise, UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team and Vini Fantini.
Each of the named teams has complied with UCI requirements to submit certain paperwork by October 1st. The registration file needed to contain details of the budget, the sponsorship contracts duly signed with the main partners, the bank guarantee and at least 10 contracts with riders duly signed by the two parties,
New teams also needed to provide a description of their structure together with a copy of the deed of incorporation of the paying agent.
For those teams, the UCI auditors Ernst & Young will conduct an in-depth evaluation. Providing no irregularities surface, the UCI ProTeams which already have a licence and are in the top fifteen in sporting value [a UCI-calculated points table – ed.] plus the Pro Continental teams will see their registration process completed by November 1st.
As for the teams which are either applying to renew their WorldTour licences or to acquire one for the first time, they must await a decision from the Licence Commission.
Registration applications lodged by October 1st:
UCI ProTeams (1st division) in possession of a UCI WorldTour licence for 2013*
Astana Pro Team
BMC Racing Team
Cannondale
FDJ
Katusha
Lampre – Merida
Movistar Team
Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team
Orica Greenedge
Radioshack Nissan
Sky Procycling
Vacansoleil – DCM Pro Cycling Team
* Delayed registration application: Lotto Belisol (not on today’s list from UCI)
Teams applying for a UCI WorldTour licence or requesting the renewal of a UCI WorldTour licence (1st division)
Ag2r La Mondiale
Euskaltel Euskadi
Garmin Sharp
Rabobank Cycling Team
Team Argos – Shimano
Team Saxo – Tinkoff
UCI Professional Continental Teams (2nd Division)
Accent Jobs – Wanty
Androni Giocattoli
Bardiani – CSF Inox
Caja Rural
CCP Polsat Polkowice
Champion System Pro Cycling Team
Iam Cycling
Landbouwkrediet – Euphony
MTN – Qhubeka
Sojasun
Team Europcar
Team Netapp – Endura
Topsport Vlaanderen – Baloise
UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team
Vini Fantini