UCI announces teams applying for 2010 wildcard status

The UCI has announced the names of 20 Professional Continental teams that have applied for wildcard status for the 2010 season, making them eligible for invitation to ProTour events such as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta and the Spring classics.

The list includes Cervélo TestTeam, whose riders include Tour de France green jersey victor Thor Hushovd and former overall winner Carlos Sastre, and US-based BMC Racing, which has signed world road champion Cadel Evans and US national champion George Hincapie.

The wildcard designation was introduced by the UCI last year in response to wishes from race organisers, teams and riders for all those taking part in Pro Tour events to have to meet the same stipulations, particularly in respect of ethical issues.

The teams, together with their countries of registration – often chosen for fiscal reasons, meaning that they don’t always match the country where the outfit is actually based – are:

Acqua & Sapone (ITA)
Andalucia Cajasur (ESP)
Androni Giocattoli (VEN)
Bbox Bouygues Telecom (FRA)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Carmiooro – NGC (GBR)
Ceramica Flaminia (IRL)
Cervélo Test Team (SUI)
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne (FRA)
Colnago – CSF Inox (IRL)
De Rosa – Stac Plastic (IRL)
ISD – Neri (ITA)
Landbouwkrediet (BEL)
Rock Racing (USA)
Saur – Sojasun (FRA)
Skil – Shimano (NED)
Topsport Vlaanderen – Mercator (BEL)
Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team (NED)
Voralberg – Corratec (AUT)
Xacobeo Galicia Team (ESP)

Three teams – Androni, Rock Racing and Xacobeo-Galicia – had their initial registration applications rejected and are awaiting the results of appeals to learn whether they will be allowed wildcard status next season.

The wildcard designation was introduced by the UCI last year in response to wishes from race organisers, teams and riders for all those taking part in Pro Tour events to have to meet the same stipulations, particularly in respect of ethical issues.

To secure wildcard status, teams need to register with the UCI, which is granted if they meet various legal, financial and ethical criteria, and they must also take part in the UCI’s biological passport programme, including making a contribution towards its funding and making known the whereabouts of their riders.