We analyze possible motives behind the UCI's exclusion of Katusha Team from the 2013 WorldTour, which has left Katusha in a cold and bleak midwinter of discontent. We look at possible effects of the exclusion of Team Katusha and the inclusion of Argos-Shimano and Saxo-Tinkoff.

It takes more than points to make it to the WorldTour.

German John Degenkolb of Team Argos - Shimano triumphantly took his fifth stage victory in this year's Vuelta when he was first to cross the finish line in Madrid.

John Degenkolb powers to fifth stage victory in Madrid ahead of Elia Viviani and Daniele Bennati; Alberto Contador wins 2012 Vuelta a Espana ahead of Alejandro Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez.

John Degenkolb of Germany won the second stage of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana, while local favorite Jonathan Castroviejo kept the red leader's jersey for the Movistar team.