Europcar, Cofidis and Sojasun get Tour invitations

Cycling's greatest race, which will be held for the 100th time this year, usually invites four teams but only added three this year with 19 registered on the elite World Tour, they said in a statement.

Russian team Katusha have been given the World Tour licence, which guarantees a place in the most prestigious events, after winning an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturning the rejection of their original application.

Europcar shone last year with Frenchman Thomas Voeckler winning the mountain classification and team mate Pierre Rolland finishing in the top 10 for the second year in a row.

They and Cofidis were widely expected to be invited to take part in this year's Tour. The last place was given to Sojasun at the expense of Swiss team IAM Cycling who were regarded as a possible alternative.

Tour de France takes place from June 29 to July 21.