There are 18 slots available to the 2011 ProTour ProTeams. These teams will be guaranteed a spot in the Grand Tours as well as all other UCI events. Teams had to submit their applications by yesterday, and there were 3 notable teams (Europcar, Astana, Pegasus) that did not. Since then, Pegasus has confirmed that they submitted theirs and Astana has also confirmed that they will re-submit theirs once they get their financial situation straightened out.Here's how they break down:
The 10 Guaranteed
AG2R
Team Katusha
Team Saxo Bank
Team Sky
Quickstep Team
Omega Pharma Lotto
Team Radioshack
Lampre-ISD
Rabobank
Garmin-Cervelo
These teams are guaranteed a spot as 2011 ProTeams as long as there are no unexpected setbacks in the process.
The 5 Most Likely
BMC Racing-With Taylor Phinney added to their already top-notch roster they seem like a forgone conclusion for the spot.
HTC-Columbia- Cmon, everyone knows that Cav's team is gonna get one.
Liquigas- Diminished a little but still the premiere Italian cycling squad. They shouldn't be too worried.
Luxembourg Pro Cycling- It isn't always easy for a new team to land a ProTour spot, but the gravity of the riders lead by the Schlecks who have already joined may influence the decision.
Team Geox- Basically the same as Lux. New team, huge signings, but they do have the advantage of coming from a team who was ProTeam last year (Footon-Servetto)
Astana
Of course they'll get a spot, but only if they take care of those banking issues.
The Rest
This leaves 2 spots open to the rest of the teams that applied.
They are:
Confidis
Euskaltel-Euskadi
FDJ
Team Movistar
Vacansoleil PCT
Team Pegasus
While the Euskaltel-Euskadi and FDJ have the advantage of being ProTeams last year, both Pegasus and Vacansoleil have been making a strong case for themselves as well. Honestly, any 2 of these 6 have a shot.
My prediction: Euskaltel-Euskadi and Team Pegasus
No comments:
Post a Comment