Men's and women's Mitchelton-Scott teams accepted to the WorldTour for 2020
An administrative issue caused a delay in the Australian squad's rosters being confirmed as WorldTeams
After what was an administrative delay, both Mitchelton-Scott teams have been confirmed as part of the the 2020 UCI WorldTours.
On Wednesday both men’s and women’s squads were notable absentees when the UCI released the lists of WorldTeams which will compete at the top tier of competition next season. The governing body announcing both applications were ‘under review.’
However, on Thursday the UCI announced both applications had been successful.
“The UCI Licence Commission has granted a UCI WorldTour licence to the Mitchelton-Scott men’s team and a UCI Women’s WorldTour licence to Mitchelton-Scott’s women’s team,” read the governing body’s press release.
According to Mitchelton-Scott the delay was caused by the late submission of a document required for both applications, a tweet explaining that had since been provided. The men's WorldTeam licence is valid for the period 2020-2022, while the women's licence last until 2023.
Both squads have had successful years in 2019. Including national championships, the men bagged 35 victories between January and October, finishing the year ranked eighth.
British twins Adam and Simon Yates took nine wins between them, with Simon’s two Tour de France stages standout results.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The women’s team’s 18 wins helped them finish 2019 ranked third, with Annemiek van Vleuten their most successful rider. Her two stage victories in a successful defence of her Giro Rosa title were notable, though her World Championship road race win will live long in the memory.
Next season is the first time women’s teams will be ranked in two tiers, the structure mirroring that of the men’s sport, with WorldTeams the first division and Continental squads forming a second division.
WorldTeam status for both men and women requires ethical, financial and sporting criteria be met, however, the new Women’s WorldTeams brings new requirements. These include a minimum wage for the first time, along with maternity leave, making careers more viable and sustainable for women.
When the new structure was first announced the UCI wanted a minimum of five Women’s WorldTeams, though in the end all eight applications have been approved for the first year.
The men’s squad have been part of the top tier since their creation as Orica-GreenEDGE in 2012. The women’s team began life at the same time as Orica-AIS and was initially a separate entity, however, in recent years the two have grown closer together, sharing their structure.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Owen Rogers is an experienced journalist, covering professional cycling and specialising in women's road racing. He has followed races such as the Women's Tour and Giro d'Italia Donne, live-tweeting from Women's WorldTour events as well as providing race reports, interviews, analysis and news stories. He has also worked for race teams, to provide post race reports and communications.
-
56% unpaved, 44% paved and plenty of pitchy climbs: the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships race course revealed
Come October, rainbow jersey hopefuls will tackle a Classics-like course in woodsy Flemish Brabant.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Tour of Britain uncertainty stalls RideLondon Classique expansion plan
Organiser planned to add extra stage to this year's race, but question marks over the Tour of Britain Women has meant plans have been cancelled
By Jeremy Whittle Published
-
'All the conditions are met, then it's questioned again' - Visma-Lease a Bike bemoan UCI review after 'a lot of money' spent on development of Giro helmet
Team reacts to governing body statement on Tuesday, day after new helmet was debuted
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The UCI is banning time trial helmet optimisations - one day after Giro lid broke cover
The 'head sock' is out, with more helmets to be reviewed - whilst hookless rim investigation is still ongoing
By Adam Becket Published
-
UCI launches investigation into massive men's Tour of Flanders pileup
World governing body also investigating road-blocking team tactics used by DSM in the race as well as by Trek-Segafredo at Dwars door Vlaanderen
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lefevere suggests UCI is 'short of cash' after fining Alaphilippe
Soudal Quick-Step rails against the ruling body after his French team leader is penalised for removing his helmet while racing
By Peter Cossins Published
-
Global backers in talks over new British WorldTour team
Former management of Ribble Weldtite courting interest in new project
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘Current WorldTour system is killing all the smaller teams,’ says Reinardt Janse van Rensburg
South African ex-Lotto Soudal rider fears more teams could find themselves in B & B Hotels-KTM situation if the system doesn’t change
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
As Cristiano Ronaldo puts the boot in, Jumbo-Visma talk to Manchester United about tactics and managing egos
The Dutch team’s senior sports director has spoken to Manchester United’s manager for sporting advice
By Owen Rogers Last updated
-
'It's a really absurd way of racing' - EF boss Jonathan Vaughters on WorldTour relegation scrap
EF Education-EasyPost manager says he hated racing for UCI points
By Tom Davidson Published