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With the rider signing season in full swing there's an underlying reason for many squad's feverish scrabbling to sign top-level riders - a ProTour licence.

A total of 14 teams have now applied for the eight vacant Union Cycliste International ProTour places, meaning that there will be several disappointed teams unable to obtain a licence in the top flight, and the lack of assured entry into some of the highest-profile races.

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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.