Norwegian ProTeam Uno X Mobility are hoping to be on the start-line of the Tour de France for the third time in succession when the French Grand Tour rolls of Lille subsequent July.
As a second division squad, Uno X Mobility must depend on an invite to the race from organisers ASO. Resulting from their rankings within the UCI group classification, Israel-Premier Tech and Lotto-dstny have already secured their locations on the 2025 Tour.
Uno X Mobility will contest for one of many closing two wildcard locations with Tudor Professional Biking and TotalEnergies. The ultimate spots within the Tour are anticipated to be introduced in January.
A delegation of seven from Uno X Mobility attended the 2025 Tour de France route presentation in Paris on Tuesday, together with 5 riders, Normal Supervisor Thor Hushovd and Ole Robert Reitan, the Chief Govt of Reitan Retail which owns the Uno X Mobility firm.
“We have not obtained the invitation but, sadly. We need to meet ASO, meet the administration, meet the organiser, speak to them and present that we’re severe about this,” Hushovd advised TV2.
The previous world highway race champion, who was appointed as Normal Supervisor of Uno X Mobility initially of the 2024 season, hopes that the group’s sturdy presence on the route’s unveiling will swing issues of their favour. In keeping with Hushovd, there have been no representatives of the Swiss Tudor group on the occasion.
“Being current and simply being seen is vital,” he mentioned. “There have been few athletes right here. It reveals that we take it critically and we recognize ASO as an organiser. We’re combating to get this invitation as soon as extra.”
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“When the ASO organisations are gathered and have a abstract of this, they are going to speak about the truth that Uno X was right here, the proprietor was right here, and we take that critically.”
“They weren’t current, Tudor. I did not see a human being. I consider that such issues must be addressed,” he added.
Their Swiss rivals have made seismic strikes within the switch market forward of their push for a 2025 Tour spot. Tudor, who’re managed by Hushovd’s former Classics rival Fabian Cancellara, have signed the likes of Julian Alaphilippe from Soudal Fast-Step and Marc Hirschi from UAE Crew Emirates. Had been Tudor to be invited, it will be their first time competing within the Tour.
TotalEnergies, in the meantime, have the benefit of being a house group, and have participated in each Tour since their inception in 2000.
“The intestine feeling continues to be excellent, however one should take critically that Tudor has signed two extraordinarily good riders with Hirschi and Alaphilippe. However on the identical time, we’ve had a superb season,” Hushovd mentioned.
ASO boss Christian Prudhomme admitted that the 2025 wildcard choice is among the many most tough he has taken half in. “Generally it’s extremely simple, it will not be like that this 12 months,” he advised TV2.
“I used to be impressed [by Uno X Mobility], and I’ve obtained just a few messages from Thor Hushovd,” he added.
Uno X Mobility carried out properly throughout the 2024 Tour, with breakaway specialist Jonas Abrahamsen sporting the Polka Dot jersey from stage one to 10.
The group’s most skilled rider, Alexander Kristoff, a veteran of 11 Excursions de France and a winner of 4 phases, believes that his group deserves an invitation from a sporting perspective.
“Simply sportingly, as of as we speak, I really feel we’re in,” the 37-year-old mentioned.
“It’s kind of of a harder battle. Tudor has signed many good riders and we’re combating towards Whole, which is French.”
“It will be significant when it comes to sponsorship and visibility and such. So will probably be a defeat when you’ve gotten been concerned for 2 years.”
