UCI defers decision on Astana and Europcar WorldTour registration

[Keith A]

Looks like Astana and Europcar might not receive a licence for the 2015 WorldTour. Final decision is to be announce by 10 December.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/uci-defers-decision-on-astana-and-europcar-worldtour-registration

[ceolwulf]

Astana is obvious but why was Europcar in doubt? Some news I missed?

[Keith A]

Astana is obvious but why was Europcar in doubt? Some news I missed?$$$

[Admiral Ackbar]

interesting...so potentially only 15 "pro" teams next yr?

i bet there are some pro conti teams that are pretty stoked....rubbing hands in anticipation at least

[choke]

interesting...so potentially only 15 "pro" teams next yr?

i bet there are some pro conti teams that are pretty stoked....rubbing hands in anticipation at least16 for sure - MTN-Qhubeka moved up.

I'm hard pressed to see the UCI denying Astana though.

[Hank Scorpio]

"...after the UCI Licence Commission considers extra documentation recently supplied by the teams."

I bet the recently supplied "documentation" is small, unmarked bills.

[oldpotatoe]

16 for sure - MTN-Qhubeka moved up.

I'm hard pressed to see the UCI denying Astana though.

These guys won't let it happen.

[FlashUNC]

Only had five guys from the team test positive in a three month span, no big deal...

[Keith A]

Only had five guys from the team test positive in a three month span, no big deal...And their team manager, Alexandre Vinokourov, was caught for blood doping during the 2007 Tour de France.

[William]

And their team manager, Alexandre Vinokourov, was caught for blood doping during the 2007 Tour de France.

Same as it ever was! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98AJUj-qxHI)







William

[bobswire]

I'll bet Astana will be allowed World Tour status for the same reason Europcar may not. They have the $$$ , Europcar is still needing funds. With less sponsors and teams UCI can't afford to keep losing teams. They'll allow Astana WT status based on some vague technicality.

[CunegoFan]

Only had five guys from the team test positive in a three month span, no big deal...

Two riders have tested positive. The Continental team is a different organization.

[FlashUNC]

Two riders have tested positive. The Continental team is a different organization.

Sure it is. Totally different. Davidenok was only a stagiare with the World Tour team in August and Kazhak national champion. Or that the three development team guys all tested positive for the same type of steroid. Surely not an organized doping program there at all.

I'm sure the state sponsored and state-run pro team is wholly unique and distinct from the development squad for the parent team run by the same state organization. Yup. Totally unrelated.

[ceolwulf]

Well this is fun:

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/12/nibali-astana-under-further-scrutiny-after-claims-michelle-ferrari-attended-team-training-camp-in-2013/

[Keith A]

Continued trouble for Astana...
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/astana-accused-of-systematic-doping

[Shortsocks]

These guys won't let it happen.

Lol. Man. Thanks for the laugh.

[FlashUNC]

This is completely unsurprising.

[PQJ]

And the French may have their first winner of the Tour since Hinault.

[Keith A]

And Europcar is out...
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/europcar-denied-worldtour-licence-over-budget-shortfall

[PQJ]

But Astana is in. So the message from up top seems to be: cheating still ok.

[Keith A]

But Astana is in. So the message from up top seems to be: cheating still ok.As long as you have the $$$'s.