16 teams gain UCI wild card status

The De Rosa - Stac Plastic team of race leader Matteo Montaguti sets tempo.

The De Rosa - Stac Plastic team of race leader Matteo Montaguti sets tempo. (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

The International Cycling Union granted "wild card" status to 16 Professional Continental teams today. The list already included the BMC Racing Team, which was given the status ahead of the Tour Down Under in order for it to compete there.