Pegasus Racing disappointed but not hopeless after ProTour exclusion
Chris White, CEO of Pegasus Sports, has said Pegasus Racing's failure to land a ProTour licence for the 2011 season will not prevent the team from trying to make an impact in Europe next year.
On Tuesday, 2 November, the UCI announced its sporting hierarchy for 2011, a list that gives a clear indication of which 20 teams will be handed a ProTour licence for the coming season.
Despite attracting the services of several established riders for next season, including Robbie McEwen, Robbie Hunter, Luke Roberts and Svein Tuft, Pegasus Racing were 23rd on the list, which was topped
by the Luxembourg PRO Cycling Project.
"It was certainly our goal to be a ProTeam in 2011, and we are a little disappointed, but we accept the decision of the UCI," White said in a press statement, adding that his team's ambitions have not
been thwarted by the outcome of their licence application. "From a competition perspective, this does not change things significantly, and we will still participate at the highest level of cycling and plan to be in the biggest races in the world."
ProContinental licence also useful
White also said that his team will instead seek a ProContintental licence.
If it is obtained, Pegasus Racing will be eligible to participate in the Grand Tours, should the team be invited by the respective organisers.
"There are actually some benefits to us starting as a Pro Continental team; getting a year under our belt in Europe, and then hopefully moving up to ProTeam level the following year. Other teams have successfully
used this formula, and we see no reason that we can't do the same," White continued, adding that his team is in the midst of confirming their racing schedule for next season.
"We are in contact with several major race organisers and we are confident that we will have a great program next year and that we will achieve great things."
Tags: