We are getting reviewed
Good morning folks!
Currently flying out from Oslo to Geneva. It’s time for the official hearing in front of the UCI License Commission (the men’s team). This is my summary of the situation.
SPORTING CRITERION
We are ranked 21. That’s an issue when there are 18 spots in the ballot. The ranking is a 3-year rolling ranking based on the well-debated point system of the UCI. I think the ranking is pretty fair. At least over time, when you don’t summarize just one season. The system will never be perfect, and at least we knew very well what we were up against.
In 2022 we came 4th in the ProTeam ranking for the second consecutive year. I think that’s quite a performance from a newly established professional team based in Oslo with riders from Norway and Denmark only.
So one thing is the license sporting criterion, another thing is getting a Grand Tour spot. I hope to see a system that ensures participation for Uno-X in a Grand Tour. Given our performances, identity and vision – we deserve it.
“I hope to see a system that ensures participation for Uno-X in a Grand Tour. We deserve it.”
Jens Haugland, GM
FINANCIAL CRITERION
Since day one we have paid our bills. On time. We have always fulfilled our obligations towards riders and staff, also during the pandemic. We are robust, and we have a financial model supporting the long-term development of our structure. We comply.
ETHICAL CRITERION
No doping history in this team. We prefer to say that we don’t run by rules, we are guided by our values. Hence no long textbooks of rules in this team, but we have a value statement. Drop by in our bus to have a look, or ask one of the riders or staff members. We comply.
ADMINISTRATIVE CRITERION
The UCI Registration Instructions have quite a number of deadlines. We have not missed one of them in terms of submission of files and documentation. We comply.
ORGANIZATIONAL CRITERION
Over the years we have developed an efficient and innovative organizational structure. It’s nice to have a title, but for us it is way more important to have a role. A role that gets you up in the morning, make you smile and keeps you motivated. We invest a lot in our staff. It is a reality that riders will come and go. Our people behind scenes we try to keep as long as we can. They are the foundation of our system. We comply.
WHY?
In many ways this a review about who we are and what we aim to achieve. You might make fun out of Uno-X applying for the license when we are ranked 21. BUT:
1) It is five criterion, not one. At least we have made sure to comply 100% with the other four.
2) If we don’t apply, we never get the chance to hear a yes.
3) We learn the process. Because we will apply, apply, apply, and apply until we get the license.
Scandinavian cycling deserves a spot on the big stage. It might not happen yet, but it will. With a WorldTour team for both women and men.
Time to lock down the computer, I have a review meeting to catch.
