Cycling Union UCI have announced the teams that they have given licences to for the 2013 World Tour season.
Astana Pro Team, BMC Racing Team, Cannondale, Lampre – Merida, Mark Cavendish's Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team, ORICA GreenEDGE, British team Sky Procycling, Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team and Movistar Team already had licences and had satisfied the registration of conditions.
The following teams all needed hearings but were granted a licence:
AG2R La Mondiale (2013-2016), Euskaltel Euskadi (2013-2016), Former Rabobank (2013-2014), Garmin Sharp (2013-2014), Team Argos–Shimano (2013-2016) and Team Saxo – Tinkoff (2013-2014) for whom Nicholas Roche will ride.
Three teams were granted registration for the 2013 season and they were FDJ, Lotto Belisol and RadioShackNissan.
Russian team Katusha had their bid rejected by the Licences Commission.