UCI name top teams for 2012

Oct 26th, 11. Another step in the process of determining which teams will gain pro-tour status in 2012 was taken today when the UCI announced the Top 15 teams based on sporting criteria.

Each team's sporting value was determined from results obtained in 2010 and 2011 by the top 15 riders included in the team's 2012 roster.

As long as the Top 15 teams meet the other criteria - ethicial, financial and administrative - they will automatically gain pro-tour status. Teams number 16-20 will vie for the three other pro-tour places while teams outside the top 20 will not be considered.

The only team who applied for a pro-tour license but ended up outside the top 20 list is Project 1T4I (previously Shil Shimano). Their only option now is to apply for a Pro-Continental license.

Ag2R La Mondiale and Euskaltel Euskadi are at risk of losing their current pro-tour licences thanks to falling outside the Top 15 ranked teams.

GreenEdge, the Australian formed new team, has passed the first major hurdle and is included in the Top 15 ranked teams for 2012.

On November 1st the UCI will announce the names of the teams who have met all four criterion. The final list of pro-teams for 2012 will be announced on Dec 10th.

Top 15 top teams  (alphabetical order):

• Astana Pro Team
• BMC Racing Team
• Garmin – Cervélo
• GreenEdge Cycling Team
• Katusha Team
• Lampre - ISD
• Liquigas – Cannondale
• Lotto Cycling Project
• Movistar Team
• Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team
• Rabobank
• RadioShack – Nissan
• Saxo Bank Sungard
• Sky Procycling
• Vacansoleil – DCM Pro Cycling Team

The second list indicates teams ranked 16th to 20th :

16. AG2R La Mondiale
17. Geox – TMC
18. FDJ
19. Euskaltel – Euskadi
20. Team Europcar