GreenEDGE named in top 15

The newly-formed Australian team, which boasts talents such as Stuart O'Grady, Robbie McEwen, Matt Goss, Jack Bobridge and Cameron and Travis Meyer on its roster, is hoping to win a licence on next year's tour.

But despite the rankings, based on 'sporting value', GreenEDGE are not yet assured of a place and they will have to wait until November 20 at the earliest to learn if they have been successful in their application to the Tour.

The UCI released its list of the top 15, in no particular order, plus a group ranked 16 to 20 from which the remaining three places on the tour could be chosen.

Top 15: Astana Pro Team, BMC Racing Team, Garmin Cervelo, GreenEdge Cycling Team, Katusha Team, Lampre ISD, Liquigas-Cannondale, Lotto Cycling Project, Movistar Team, Omega Pharma Quick-Step Team, Rabobank, RadioShack-Nissan, Saxo Bank Sungard, Sky Procycling, Vacansoleil DCM Pro Cycling Team.

16-20: AG2R La Mondiale, Geox TMC, FDJ, Euskaltel Euskadi, Team Europcar.