Aqua Blue Sport among three new teams applying for Pro Conti licence

Rick Delaney is the man behind the Aqua Blue Sport team and the Corkman has made no secret of his intention to be in the world's biggest race, the Tour de France, within three or four years. They are among a number of teams seeking a Pro Conti race licence for 2017, which he believes is a formality.

By Brian Canty

The Irish-registered Aqua Blue Sport team are one of three teams applying for registration as a UCI Professional Continental Team for 2017.

The sport’s governing body, the UCI, has released the names of 18 teams applying for a World Tour licence for 2017 - though just 17 will get one, and 20 more applying for a Pro Continental licence.

And alongside Aqua Blue Sport are the Manzana Postobon team from Colombia and Belgian Wallonie Bruxelles team, respectively.

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The owner of Aqua Blue Sport, Rick Delaney, has said in the past that the team’s registration is a “formality” and should they comply with all UCI regulations after being assessed by the UCI in association with the appointed-auditor EY, they will receive their licence.

The Israel Cycling Academy have stated their intention to apply for a licence but they were not listed by the UCI who will announce the successful candidates on November 1st.

It's not unusual for teams to be granted a licence after initially not being named, like what happened ONO Pro Cycling last year.

They were supposed to send the UCI an original document but when they sent a copied one they were unable to proceed with their application until the issue was cleared up and received notification of their licence approval within weeks.

The 20 teams applying for registration are: