The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body of cycling, categorises teams into three divisions.
The teams compete in the UCI Continental Circuits, which are divided into five continental zones: Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
Professional Continental teams are also invited to participate in events in the UCI World Tour, although they are not eligible to win points in the World Tour rankings.
According to the UCI Rulebook,[1] "a professional continental team is an organisation created to take part in road events open to professional continental teams.
It is known by a unique name and registered with the UCI in accordance with the provisions below.