Once again, the Cofidis team has been unsuccessful in its bid to join cycling’s first division. The French team, which held ProTour status from its inception until 2009, as not among the eighteen teams granted ProTeam status but the International Cycling Union (UCI) and so will continue as a Professional Continental team in 2011.
"I expected it a little,” admitted the team’s manager Eric Boyer to La Voix du Nord. “I am under obligation to accept it.”
With Cofidis’ unsuccessful bid, Europcar (currently Bbox Bouyges Telecom) withdrawing its bid at an earlier stage, and FDJ losing its place in the top flight, AG2R-La Mondiale will be the only French team with ProTeam status in 2011.
“I am glad that at least one French team keeps its place at the highest level of the world circuit,” said Boyer. “But I feel that Cofidis is not finished. We were placed 19th in the world ranking by participating in a limited number of ProTour races. We showed our ability to finish as close as possible to the very best."
While disappointed to have missed out on ProTeam status, Boyer is still optimistic about the team’s 2011 prospects. Because of its status as one of the top French teams, it should be virtually guaranteed a wildcard invitation to the Tour de France and the other top French races; he does concede though, that it will be much harder to secure a place in races abroad.
"No [I’m not down],” he said, “we must continue to believe, our work suggests that we can always be among the best teams next season. Despite the disadvantages that we will find again, missing out on invitations to Pro Tour races in Spain, Belgium or Italy...
“I especially hope that we will know soon the playing field for 2011,” he added, referring to the possible dispute between the UCI and the Grand Tour organisers over team invitations, “and that they will not change en route."
With a secure sponsor, which has supported the team since 1997, a stable structure and no doping issues, Boyer concedes that his team must have missed out on ProTeam status because of its lack of a big name rider for the major tours.
"We were not penalised for the economic criteria, ethical or legal,” he said. “We therefore lack a true leader. Who is he? A rider under 30 years who is able to finish among the top five of a Grand Tour or win a big classic. We'll see in spring if one of our men is able to play this role. Otherwise, we will really ask the question during the transfer season. What does the UCI want?"