Uno-X looking to benefit from B&B Hotels bust: "We have the qualities to ride the Tour de France this summer"

The Uno-X Pro Cycling Team is an ambitious project which aims to rise to World Tour level in the coming years. However, with the next openings only for the 2026 season - unless the team could buy an existing license - the Norwegian squad rely on Wildcards to take part in the Grand Tours, and they are hoping to be part of the Grand Boucle this coming summer.

“It is important to say that we are not happy with the problems at B&B Hotels-KTM. But I believe that objectively and subjectively we have the qualities to ride the Tour de France this summer," team manager Jens Haugland told TV2. "If there is no second tier French team in the position to be invited, then our chances have gone from not very likely to quite likely.”

“If that happens… It is impossible to imagine and imagine," he continued. With the likes of Tobias Johannessen and Alexander Kristoff it is safe to assume there is sufficient quality and headliners to take part in the race. The team, fully consisting of Norwegian and Danish riders is one of the most unique projects to seek participation in the Tour over the last few years.

With Lotto Soudal and TotalEnergies having assured wildcards - which are likely to be used - it leaves only two positions left. As B&B Hotels-KTM failed to secure their position and are likely to race at continental level at best, it opens a position for another team to fill in. Israel - Premier Tech are likely to contest for the positions, but now there is space for both teams and no obvious contender to challenge these two teams as there is no other French project at ProTeam level and these two are by far the two teams with the most UCI points and reputation in their lineups.

“I must admit that these are very exciting days. Last week we were in Monaco and Geneva for various meetings with the UCI, teams, race organizers and other shareholders," Haugland admitted. "The reactions and rumors there suggest that we are close to a ticket, but it is not concrete yet. We have to have the patience that we actually don't have.”