Dutch team asked that Ezequiel Mosquera not be counted in team’s sporting value
With the International Cycling Union (UCI) releasing the names of the first teams to be awarded 2011 ProTeam licenses, the Vacansoleil-DCM team grows ever-more confident that its own application will be successful. News that the team’s riders’ points in the 2009 and 2010 seasons are to count towards the team’s sporting value, and that that value is to be held in high regard, as well as the confirmation that FDJ has missed out on the renewal of its license gives the team hope.
With the 15 best riders in the 2011 Vacansoleil-DCM team added together, the Dutch team sits 12th in the rankings list. The team is mindful that ethics are also a major factor to be considered by the UCI, so it has requested that the points of new rider Ezequiel Mosquera are not included.
Mosquera, who was second in the Vuelta a Espana, has signed with the team for 2011 on the demise of his current Xacobeo-Galicia team; he is, however, currently subject to an anti-doping investigation, having tested positive for Hydroxyethyl starch during the race and is currently awaiting his fate.
“In the battle for a clean sport we think it is inappropriate to score with the points of Mosquera,” said team manager Daan Luijkx. “We believe it is fair towards other teams and the fans to keep the Spanish rider excluded for 2011. The non-counting of his point has no influence on the steps to be taken towards the rider. As mentioned before we await the results of the pending investigation to make a decision on the future of the rider. We are confident the authorities will do a proper job.”
With the sporting side of the criteria apparently covered, Luijkx feels that the team also has, Mosquera notwithstanding, the necessary ethical criterion equally met. He certainly feels that the team has dotted all the financial i’s and crossed all the administrative t’s.
“We wish to compete in the big races and with the license we can compete in the old ProTour races on the UCI WorldTour calendar,” he said, “if all giant tours will be on the calendar is not sure yet. What is sure is that the license will give the team an enormous boost. With this way of appointing licenses, the UCI wishes to increase things like stability, professionalism and the sporting level of the teams. I am proud of the team that we are among the best 15 teams of the World based on sporting level and I am hopeful that we will get the license.
“It would be a great reward for the team if it gets the First Division license,” he concluded.
With only Rabobank, Garmin-Cervélo, OmegaPharma-Lotto and Team Sky confirmed as ProTeams so far, Vacansoleil-DCM must wait until November 20th before it knows for sure if it has been successful.