wangster

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I've been wondering how a continental team can compete against a Protour team in races like the ATOC.

I thought continental teams are slightly lesser in terms of strength whereas a pro tour team has the money to sign the strongest rider? Is this false?

If it's true, how does the ATOC work? Do the continental teams not have a shot at the podium?

Please educate me.

collegeskier

The continental teams don't have much hope for winning the overall in general. Almost all races have some continental teams. They generally thank the organizers by making the race interesting. Breakaways of any size have guys from continental teams, they ride aggressive and attack. It is a successful day if the camera shows them and their sponsors. It is really successful if they win from a break.

Remember also that continental teams are peaking for these races, especially the US based ones. All the pro-tour teams have 9 guys racing in the Giro but I am guessing the best 9 guys from Jelly Belly are riding in the ATOC and have a training peak about now.

There are exceptions to this, mostly from the top level European continental teams, who are competitive whenever they race, they are just not required to meet the UCI pro-tour rules. Cervelo from last year was a good example. Thor Hussovd is not slouch and was racing for them when they were a continental team.