November 28, 2003 – On the 20th of December 2003, the Professional Cycling Council will name the 20 teams which will join the first division (TT-I) in 2004. Almost seventy teams, including ten new structures have already informed the UCI of their interest in registering in the first or second divisions. Experience has shown that not all these initiatives will come to fruition. They do, however, show that professional cycling is an effective and beneficial advertising vehicle, appreciated by sponsors.

The  announcement on the introduction of the UCI ProTour has further strengthened  this interest and definitely encouraged companies of international standing to invest in cycling next year.