The UCI has, in a statement today, listed the WorldTour and ProContinental teams approved for next year. It says Aqua Blue Sport is still under review for the 2018 season.

Aqua Blue Sport still under review for 2018 says UCI

The ProContinental application of the Aqua Blue Sport Irish cycling team for next year is still under review by the UCI, it has emerged.

In its list of teams whose status has been confirmed for next year, the UCI said its licence commission would make an announcement in due course on Aqua Blue Sport.

Teams are assessed by the UCI under several criteria including sporting, financial, administrative and ethical.

Some squads can take longer to have their applications processed; with delays for a small number of teams generally arising each year.

It was unclear at the time of writing why the Irish team, which rode its first season in 2017, has not yet been processed for the 2018 season by the UCI.

No reason was given by the UCI for the delay relating to Aqua Blue Sport.

There was no comment from the team available at the time of writing, though one was expected this evening.

It seemed business as usual today for the Irish outfit in announcing sponsors for next season.

Related News

Lara Gillespie attacks Dolomite stage as Giro hits high mountains

Video - Ireland's Meehan climbs with best on brutal Alpine terrain

The latest in a series of partners for 2018 includes Oakley, Scicon, Morgan Blue, 226ERS nutrition, Catlike helmets and others.

NEWS: Aqua Blue Sport announce new 2018 partnerships with @oakley, @226ERS, @MorganBlue__ and Oranjeboom; will continue to enjoy support of @Catlikehelmets, @Weldtite, @JomaSportUK, @Elite_cycling and @sciconbags.

More: https://t.co/1EJ4V6LwUL pic.twitter.com/sX0VpZnpIl

— Aqua Blue Sport (@AquaBlueSport) December 11, 2017

The UCI, cycling’s world governing body, issued a list of teams confirmed for next year in a statement dated today, December 11th.

It included all of the squads confirmed at WorldTour and ProContinental level.

However, the list of teams does not include Aqua Blue Sport; which is effectively still pending.

Instead the UCI makes the following reference to it: "Team Aqua Blue Sport (ABS – IRL) is still under review by the Licence Commission. The UCI will make an announcement in due course.”

There are 18 WorldTour teams confirmed as having a place in the pro peloton next year.

And at ProContinental level there are 26 teams named. Aqua Blue Sport, which would make 27, is named after the list as being still under review.