December 21, 2004 “” USA Cycling has submitted registration materials to the UCI on behalf of 12 potential UCI Continental Teams, and one UCI Women’s Team in consideration for the 2005 season.

Under the UCI’s road cycling reform plan, teams formerly recognized as tier III trade teams will now be registered by the international governing body under the new “˜Continental Teams’ moniker.

Paperwork has been sent to the UCI on behalf of the following potential Continental Teams:

-Colavita Olive Oil/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team
-Jittery Joe’s/Kalahari Pro Cycling Team
-Team Nerac.com
-Jelly Belly/Pool Gel
-Team Snow Valley presented by Seal-On
-Health Net presented by Maxxis
-McGuire/Langdale
-Team Monex
-Team Seasilver
-Webcor Builders Cycling Team
-Subway Cycling Team
-Team TIAA-CREF

Additionally, there are currently two other Continental Teams whose applications to USA Cycling are still pending. The UCI allows for a maximum of 15 Continental Teams.

New to the professional fray in 2005 are Team Nerac.com, TIAA-CREF and Team Snow Valley presented by Seal-On.

Teams returning under the same title as last season include 2004 USA Cycling National Racing Calendar champions, Health Net presented by Maxxis, Team Monex, Team Seasilver, Webcor Builders Cycling Team and Subway Cycling Team.

Several other teams are also returning, albeit with a new title, thanks to support from different or additional sponsors. Those include Colavita Olive Oil/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team, Jittery Joe’s/Kalahari Pro Cycling Team, Jelly Belly/Pool Gel and McGuire/Langdale.

USA Cycling has also submitted paperwork on behalf of the lone American women’s squad, the T-Mobile Professional Cycling Team.

Other American teams set for the 2005 season include the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team and the Navigators Insurance Cycling Team.

Formerly the U.S. Postal Service squad, the Discovery Channel team will be captained by six-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong and will race as a UCI Pro Tour Team, the governing body’s most elite class.

The Navigators are registered as a UCI Professional Continental Team after being a tier II trade team in 2004.