Team Europcar disappointed on missing the UCI World Tour license
Thomas Voeckler and his team mates were disappointed after the Team Europcar failed to secure its WorldTour license. The team is also struggling to receive invitations from many races towards the start of coming season.
Team Europcar is certain to receive a wild card invitation at the Tour de France 2012 and is hopeful to repeat the 2011 performance. Voeckler has also shared its concerns for the team not being able to receive strong sponsors.
Europcar’s manager Jean-Rene Bernaudeau shared his thoughts on UCI’s decision that deprived his team from the World Tour license. He mentioned that the team performed brilliantly well in the 2011 season as it secured 21 victories throughout the season.
Bernaudeau believes that the UCI point system was the main reason that stopped the team from receiving the license. He said, “You have to know that the white jersey does not bring any points. We have given the people a lot of emotion and happiness, but that
also does not bring any points. There is a world hierarchy and we respect that”.
Thomas Voeckler finished fourth at the Tour de France 2011 after the final general classifications. Pierre Rolland won the young rider’s jersey at the event but still the performance was not enough to impress UCI.
He told L’Equipe, “In the team, we have a small worry for the month of February, we don’t have many invitations.” He further added that, “we won’t be in Qatar or Oman. For Mallorca, we haven’t had a response. It’s complicated but that’s the way it is for
second division teams”.
Thomas’s 2011 season includes a total number of 8 wins as he secured an overall victory at the Tour du Haut Var and Four Days of Dunkirk. He also won the stage 4 and stage 8 at Paris-Nice 2011 along with a stage 2 success at Giro del Tentino 2011.
The team Europcar’s manager, Rene mentioned that the whole squad is positive for the coming season. He is optimistic that the team will be the first choice for the WorldTour wild card entries for many races including the Dauphine, Paris-Nice and Tour de
France.
Only time will tell if the French team receives the invitation at the Tour de France 2012 and other major races for the coming season. Considering the team’s performance in 2011, Europcar is one team must make an appearance at the coming French Tour.
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