UCI Continental teams?

cyclistbruce
cyclistbruce Posts: 88
edited June 2009 in Pro race
Just been watching the Tour series of which I think the ITV4 coverage is excellent. But am a bit confused about the status of the teams. Are teams like Rapha and Halfords which are UCI Continental teams fully proffessional, unlike the amateur teams such as Corley?

If so, what is the difference between a UCI Pro Continental team and a UCI Continental team?

Comments

  • Pokerface
    Pokerface Posts: 7,960
    cyclistbruce wrote:
    What is the difference between a UCI Pro Continental team and a UCI Continental team?

    The short answer is - they have different licences with the UCI and different requirements and obligations.

    They are both 'pro' teams in that they pay their riders, but the UCI Pro Continental teams have access to much bigger events (and indeed are required to participate in UCI Pro Team events).

    It is significantly harder and more expensive to get a Pro team licence.

    Not sure the status of Corley. I would imagine their riders are still paid, but they don't hold a Continental licence. They would just be registered in the UK as a cycling club essentially - just the same as your local club. They just call themselves a team - and race regularly.

    Make sense at all?
  • cyclistbruce
    cyclistbruce Posts: 88
    Thanks for that, makes sense to me now!
  • Bronzie
    Bronzie Posts: 4,927
    Pokerface wrote:
    Not sure the status of Corley. I would imagine their riders are still paid, but they don't hold a Continental licence. They would just be registered in the UK as a cycling club essentially - just the same as your local club. They just call themselves a team - and race regularly.
    Yes this is right. The riders do get paid and get their race expenses covered although I think most if not all of the Corley riders also have day jobs, rather than being full-time pros like some of the bigger teams.

    Interesting thing about Corleys is that they donate all of their prize money to a local hospice and it is matched by a donation from the shop (Phil Corley Cycles). The team was set up this way after Phil was diagnosed with cancer, although glad to say he is pretty much back to full health now.
    It's a Lifestyle! -+-+- Coggan Training Levels

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