crucifixion12

I've noticed that on the cycling retal sites I've been to list the National teams such as the Italian National team, German, Spanish National, etc under the pro section. Are these teams actually pro, or are they actually high level amateur like in other sports?

cyclezealot

I think the national cycling teams are just that. not pro's yet... Sure they eventually want to be... Strikes a cord with we San Diegan's, because a National sports team complex is in Chula Vista.. The USA cycling teams works out of there. Can see them often in the backcontry of San Diego County, I have been told..
I am quite sure they are considered amateurs.. Example of a famous pro that has been a member of US national team is Marty Jamieson.. Is not the purpose of the National Cylcing team or whatever, to prepare our best athletes in any given field the training needed to represent us in the Olympics?
Was not Lance Armstrong temporary transfered to The US National Cycling in Sydney, even though he is a pro...?

Xavier

I personally list them under pro teams as it is where people tend to look for them. It is easier for customers to find them there.

You can say they are pro. For example the national team Spain takes to worlds and such are pros. Pros are also allowed to enter the spanish national championships. Do take note many countries have different categories like Elite., Sub 23, Masters, etc...

cyclezealot

Yet, there is a national softball team, as I recall. Pros are not invited in these fields, to the Olympics.... Probably money issues...?

crucifixion12

Yes, it's the way the national teams have traditionally operated in other sports that made me wonder about cycling. For example, up until just a few years back, all of the national ice hockey teams were made up of non-professionals, although many of them went on to have careers in the professional ranks. Now they've allowed the pros to participate, so now there are practically no amateurs in the Olympics, all the rosters are made up of NHLers and minor leaguers.