The International Cycling Union (UCI) has released a list of teams that have applied for Professional Continental licences. Teams have until December 1st to submit their applications, but the UCI has announced the teams that had applied by November 15th in order to keep all parties informed.
Among other things, teams are required to submit their budget, signed sponsorship contracts, a bank guarantee and the contracts of at least 10 riders in order to be considered for approval. The UCI will evaluate whether applications meet the required requirements along with professional services company Ernst and Young.
Two conspicuous names on the list are French teams Bbox Bouyges Telecom and Cofidis, both teams currently have ProTour status but have had their application for renewal turned down. Professional Continental is the level below the top ProTour, but can qualify the team for wild cards into ProTour races. For example, US registered BMC Racing will be the team of current World champion Cadel Evans, among others, and will be banking on an invitation to top races like the Tour de France; Bbox and Cofidis – as two of the top teams in France – are almost assured an invitation.
The list of 19 to have applied teams so far is:
Acqua & Sapone (Italy)
Andalucia Cajasur (Spain)
Androni Giocattoli (Venezuela)
Bbox Bouyges Telecom (France)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Carmiooro NGC (Great Britain)
Ceramica Flaminia (Ireland)
Cervélo TestTeam (Switzerland)
Cofidis (France)
Colnago – CSF Inox (Ireland)
De Rosa – Stac Plastic
ISD – Neri (Italy)
Landbouwkrediet (Belgium)
Saur – Sojasun (France)
Skil – Shimano (Netherlands)
Topsport Vlaanderen – Mercator (Belgium)
Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team (Netherlands)
Voraralberg Corratec (Austria)
Xacobea Galicia (Spain)