The International Cycling Union (UCI) announced today that 20 Professional Continetal Teams have submitted applications to be granted “Wild Card” status in the 2010 season. If they are awarded “Wild Card” status they will have the ability to receive invites to any race on the UCI ProTour race calender.

To receive a “Wild Card” status a team must agree and fulfill some very tough criteria. Besides financial and legal criteria, they must have the race results, the anti-doping structure, and riders to deserve the status. The team must be able to afford to be part of the UCI’s biological passport program with is very expensive. They also have to provide up to date rider information for the random testing that is required.

Teams Requesting Wild Card Status:
Acqua & Sapone (Ita)
Andalucia Cajasur (Spa)
Androni Giocattoli* (Ven)
Bbox Bouygues Telecom (Fra)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Carmiooro – NGC (GBr)
Ceramica Flaminia (Irl)
Cervélo TestTeam (Swi)
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne (Fra)
Colnago – CSF Inox (Irl)
De Rosa – Stac Plastic (Irl)
ISD – Neri (Ita)
Landbouwkrediet (Bel)
Rock Racing (USA)
Saur – Sojasun (Fra)
Skil – Shimano (Ned)
Topsport Vlaanderen – Mercator (Bel)
Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team (Ned)
Voralberg – Corratec (Aut)
Xacobeo Galicia Team (Spa)