The French team AG2R has been granted a four-year ProTour license for 2006.

The team was denied a ProTour ticket last season, but has bolstered its roster since, signing Spaniard Francesco Mancebo and Christophe Moreau.

"One of my qualities is never not to doubt," said director Vincent Lavenu. "Last year, we could not obtain a license, but we continued by building something solid. This is a formidable reward."

The announcement means that French squads account for five of the 20 ProTour teams. Spain is next best represented, with four teams, followed by Italy with three.

Teams of the 2006 ProTour
France: AG2R, Bouygues Telecom, Cofidis, Crédit Agricole, Française des Jeux
Spain: Euskaltel, Illes Baléares, Liberty, Saunier Duval
Italy: Domina Vacanze, Lampre, Liquigas
Germany: Gerolsteiner, T-Mobile
Belgium: Davitamon, Quick Step
Denmark: CSC
United States: Discovery Channel
Netherlands: Rabobank
Switzerland:Phonak