December 13/11 10:13 am - USA Cycling Announces Domestic Teams for 2012 with UCI Status - Less Canadians

Posted by Editoress on 12/13/11
 

USA Cycling announced yesterday the 12 teams registered as UCI Continental Teams in the United States, as well as the two U.S.-based squads registered as UCI Women’s Teams for the 2012 racing season. The number of Canadians on these teams has dropped substantially, as the U.S. institutes rules to increase American content, such as the 50% under 28 years of age and 60% American riders regulations for men's Continental teams. Canadians have also been affected by the drop in the number of teams and amalgamation of teams due to the economy and lack of sponsors.

The 12 Continental Teams are in addition to the two U.S.-based UCI ProTeams (BMC Racing, and Garmin-Cervelo) and the two Professional Continental Teams (Team Type 1-Sanof and UnitedHealthCare Pro Cycling Team) previously announced by the UCI. This means that all together, the United States houses 16 professional men’s cycling teams recognized by the UCI.

U.S.-based UCI Continental Teams for 2012 include: Bissell Cycling, BMC Hincapie Sportswear Development Team, Bontrager Livestrong Team, Chipotle Development Team, Competitive Cyclist Racing Team, Jamis/Sutter Home, Jelly Belly Cycling Team, Kenda/5-Hour Energy Cycling Team, Team Exergy, Team Mountain Khakis/Smartstop, Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies, and Wonderful Pistachios Cycling

In addition, two U.S.-based women’s squads are registered with the UCI in 2012: Exergy TWENTY 12 and Team TIBCO/To the Top.

Each team’s roster is as follows - Canadians highlighted: