Today the UCI released its list of teams which have met the points standards for a 2012 World Tour golden ticket, which if confirmed would include automatic entry to the Tour de France. Another five teams are under consideration for the last three places. The Fine Fifteen still have to undergo scrutiny for the UCI's ethical, financial and administrative criteria, but making the points cut is a pretty solid sign for the following squads:
- Astana Pro Team
- BMC Racing Team
- Garmin – Cervélo
- GreenEdge Cycling Team
- Katusha Team
- Lampre - ISD
- Liquigas – Cannondale
- Lotto Cycling Project
- Movistar Team
- Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team
- Rabobank
- RadioShack – Nissan
- Saxo Bank Sungard
- Sky Procycling
- Vacansoleil – DCM Pro Cycling Team
Teams have to be ranked in the top 20 to have a chance. Teams ranked 16-20 have not been confirmed as meeting the sporting criteria, but haven't been eliminated from consideration either. They include, in order:
- 16. AG2R La Mondiale
- 17. Geox – TMC
- 18. FDJ
- 19. Euskaltel – Euskadi
- 20. Team Europcar
Skil-Shimano is the only team I'm aware of that sought world tour status and has definitively failed to meet the sporting criterion. I'm a bit unclear as to whether they are absolutely eliminated or subject to further review (in case enough other teams fail to meet the remaining criteria), but in any event they are on the outs. Next up, on November 20 or so the UCI will announce a list of teams which have met all the criteria, with final decisions announced on or about December 1. I gather that latter announcement will deal with any remaining applications which weren't fully cleared in time for the Nov. 20th communique.