It’s been a long, nervous wait but according to the website Revista Mundo Ciclistico, the Androni Giocatolli team will be awarded a ProTour licence for 2010.
Gianni Savio’s squad, which was called Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli in 2009, was one of three which were refused the licences earlier this month. Also being passed over by the UCI was the American Rock Racing team and the Spanish Xacobeo squad.
They each immediately appealed the decision and were due to find out on December 16th if they would get the green light for 2010.
Savio has apparently been told by the UCI that the decision has been reversed. The fates of the other two teams are still unknown.
His squad had a very impressive season, ending the year 14th overall – and thus ahead of several ProTour squads – in the UCI world ranking.
It took 33 victories in all, including three stages of the Giro d’Italia, two in Tirreno-Adriatico, three in the Brixia Tour, five in the Vuelta a Venezuela and five plus the overall classification in the Tour de Langkawi.
Davide Rebellin also won Flèche Wallonne plus two stages of the Vuelta a Andalucia, but faces disqualification after it was revealed that he had tested positive for CERA at last year’s Olympic Games, where he was second.
Double Giro stage winner Michele Scarponi will stay for 2010, as will Tour de Langkawi champion Jose Serpa. 2001 and 2003 Giro champion Gilberto Simoni will leave after what was an anonymous season.
Savio’s squad is due to start racing in the Tour de San Luis in Argentina in the month of January.