Katusha have missed out on a UCI WorldTour licence for 2013 – despite having the world’s number one ranked rider in Joaquim Rodriguez.
The Russian super team, who finished second in the WorldTour teams standings in 2012, have been replaced by Argos-Shimano, who rode as a UCI Pro Continental squad in 2012.
“The request from the team Katusha for registration in first division has been rejected,” read a UCI statement.
“In accordance with UCI regulations, this team’s application has been forwarded to the UCI administration, so that the latter may assess the possibility of registering this team as a UCI Professional Continental Team.”
Rodriguez finished top of the UCI WorldTour rider rankings after a 2012 season which saw the Spaniard win La Fleche Wallonne, two stages of the Giro d’Italia and the points jersey, three stages of the Vuelta a Espana en-route to finishing third overall, and the Giro di Lombardia.
Four teams were waiting to hear which three would receive a WorldTour licence, with either Argos-Shimano or Alberto Contador’s SaxoBank-Tinkoff expected to miss out.
But both teams made the final cut and now Katusha will need wildcard invitations to take part in a number of races, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana.
WorldTour licenses are issued by an independent licence commission, with decisions based on sporting, ethical, administrative and financial criteria. The UCI are yet to confirm why Katusha missed out on a licence in cycling’s top division.
WorldTour teams for 2013 season
Current licence holders approved on November 2
Astana Pro Team
BMC Racing Team
Cannondale
Lampre–Merida
Omega Pharma–QuickStep
Orica-GreenEDGE
Team Sky
Vacansoleil-DCM
Movistar Team (UCI decision on November 16)
Licences issued following licence commission hearings in November/December
AG2R La Mondiale (2013-2016)
Euskaltel Euskadi (2013-2016)
Former Rabobank (2013-2014)
Garmin Sharp (2013-2014)
Team Argos–Shimano (2013-2016)
Team Saxo – Tinkoff (2013-2014)
Additional licences issued for 2013
FDJ
Lotto Belisol
RadioShack-Nissan
