The Union Cycliste Internationale, the international cycling union, today announced its decision on the five teams who applied for Division One status whose status was pending for review - two former Division One teams did not meet requirements to be included the list of 30 top teams.

The five teams awaiting final word from the UCI were US Postal presented by Berry Floor (USA), Kelme (Spain), Alessio-Bianchi (Italy), Milaneza-Maia (Portugal) and Domina Vacanze-Elitron (Italy).

US Postal, Milaneza and Alessio satisfied the requirements to be Division I teams for 2004, Kelme and Domina Vacanze, the team of Mario Cipollini, did not.

As a result, the UCI filled the two remaining Division I spots with the Belgian Palmans-Collstrop team and the Relax-Bodysol team (Spain). The official UCI announcement follows:

Teams Alessio-Bianchi (ITA), Milaneza Maia (POR) and US Postal Service presented by Berry Floor (USA) have presented the required precisions, and the Professional Cycling Council (PCC) has proceeded to their registration as TT/I for the 2004 season.

On the basis of the complement of information given to the UCI since the 22 nd of December 2003 , and following the advice given by Ernst & Young, the PCC could not accept the registration of Domina-Vacanze (ITA) and Kelme (ESP) as TTI for 2004.

If these TT's fill the conditions as required by the UCI rules and regulations by January 15th 2004 , they will be registered as TTII. In accordance with the UCI Regulations, in order to reach the total number of 30 TT/I, the teams Palmans-Collstrop (BEL) and Relax-Bodysol (ESP), are registered as TT/I for the 2004 season.

The 30 Division I trade teams for 2004:

Chocolade Jacques Wincor - Nixdorf Bel
Landbouwkrediet - Colnago Bel
Lotto - Domo Bel
Palmans - Collstrop Bel
Quick Step - Davitamon Bel
Team CSC Den
Euskaltel - Euskadi Esp
Illes Balears - Banesto Esp
Liberty Seguros Esp
Relax - Bodysol Esp
Saunier Duval - Prodir Esp
Ag2r Prevoyance Fra
Brioches La Boulangere Fra
Cofidis, Le Credit Par Telephone Fra
Credit Agricole Fra
Fdjeux.Com Fra
R.a.G.T. Semences - MG Rover Fra
Gerolsteiner Ger
T-Mobile Team Ger
Alessio - Bianchi Ita
De Nardi Ita
Fassa Bortolo Ita
Lampre Ita
Saeco Macchine Per Caffè Ita
Vini Caldirola - Nobili Rubinetterie Ita
Bankgiroloterij Ned
Rabobank Ned
Milaneza Maia Por
Phonak Hearing Systems Sui
US Postal Service Presented By Berry Floor Usa

More news to follow.