October 25/11 10:46 am - UCI Announces Initial 2012 ProTeam List

Posted by Editoress on 10/25/11
 

The UCI has released the rankings for the teams that will be applying for ProTeam status in 2012, based on their 'sporting value', a formula that takes into account the results of the top 15 riders for each team from the previous two seasons (2010 and 2011).  It should be noted that these are for riders that have a signed contract with the team before October 20th.  The top 15 teams for sporting value are (alphabetically):

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 UCI has also released the rankings for the next four teams that make up the top 20:

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

The top 15 are deemed to have satisfied the UCI sporting criterion, and now move on to meeting ethical, financial and administrative criteria.  Those ranked 16-20 will be investigated further to verify that they meet the sporting criterion.  Teams ranked below 20 will have to apply for Pro Continental status.

The UCI will announce the 2012 ProTeam list after November 1st, as well as Pro Continental teams that have met requirements.  Canadian-based SpiderTech p/b C10 is among the teams that will be looking for Pro Continental status.