Katusha granted entry into the Giro d’Italia

Russian cycling team Katusha has been granted entry into the Giro d'Italia and will be one of 23 teams to start the famous race on May 4.

MILAN, Italy — Russian cycling team Katusha has been granted entry into the Giro d’Italia and will be one of 23 teams to start the famous race on May 4.

Katusha has been included after winning its appeal against the International Cycling Union’s decision to deny it top-tier status this season for "ethical" reasons.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport accepted Katusha’s appeal in February.

A statement from organizers RCS on Tuesday says the UCI has given the Giro special dispensation to start with 207 riders from 19 ProTeams and four Professional Continental Teams.

Rules normally state that a maximum of 200 cyclists can participate.

Katusha’s Joaquin Rodriguez was runner-up in last year’s Giro to Ryder Hesjedal of Canada.

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