Phonak vows to fight for ProTour spot

Eurosport.com | Phonak argues with UCI

Tyler Hamilton's Phonak squad will make its case to the UCI next week, in hopes of reversing the body's decision to exclude Phonak from the new ProTour in 2005.

Although UCI gave no reason for its decision, Phonak said it was related to doping. Phonak added in a statement they would put their case to the licensing commission on November 22 and a final decision would be made on December 2.

"The reason for the licence not being granted in the first instance is the ongoing clarification relating to the internal medical checks for tightening measures against doping," Switzerland's only cycling team said on Monday.

Phonak management says the exclusion threatens the team's survival, and that its sponsor, a Swiss manufacturer of hearing aids, requires the team to participate in the year's “most important races.”