Twenty two teams can sign up for the Coupe of Nations.
The problem is that it only has twenty spots to fill. How does that work?
Easy, two teams are to late and will not be able to enter this seasons Coup of Nations.
 CoN Delhi
We start in India for the first race in this special series. As this is the first race not everybody was aware of the fact that there were to much nations able to participate.
England and Italy, two top 20 teams, missed out because the overslept. They should have paid more attention.
The race itself was dominated by the Netherlands, beating Romania and Portugal.
The respective riders were Nico-Jan Stubbe (WV De Dommel), Anghel Naidin (Tears and Saints) and Alfeu Freitas (Lusitano)
 CoN Beijing
The race in China was a flat race. Through the streets of Beijing the riders raced like madmen to the finish line.
England was again not present and this time had company from Denmark. No Lean Ahnfeldt-Mollerup and no Carroll Mullan.
Both managers made it look like this was a tactical decision. But rumors has it that these mistakes could cost them their job.
The race was won by the Netherlands, who extended their lead, ahead of France and Germany.
Dirk Horring (Eriknogwat), Placide Acker (Penn Ar Bed Cyclisme) Winfried Reinhold (1 2 Cycle) are the riders on the podium.
 Con Washington
Finally | | England arrived at the CoN. In Washington it was time for the time trial specialists.
New Zealand and Japan were too late to buy tickets and shined through absence
The Americans saw a nice race but did not like the fact that the winner was a Canadian and the best home rider finished on twelfth spot.
This will be a thing in the peloton for a while. Canada beat Norway and Belgium.
Wesley Nisbet (Nairobi City Cycling Club) finished before Tarjei Amundsen (Matrix team) and Gunter de Cuman (duvelke)
 Con Sydney
Again New Zealand was not allowed to enter. This time they were on time but they had been denied their visas.
Australians wanted to prevent an Australian version of the American accident last race.
Norway was to tired to travel all the way to Australia. Belgium took a good win around the hills of Sidney ahead of Denmark and the Netherlands.
Roel Beetens (Team Trier) was primus, Lean Koch (Carnap Kickers) second and Erwin Getiz (Team Oasis) was third.
 Con Paris
Australia was blamed for the visa affair. They are disqualified by the OCM officials. South Africa was also not permitted to ride.
Burundi had taken their place. Burundi was in every race, and did not score a point, I bet they loved the atmosphere.
The cobbles around Paris attracted a new type of riders.
Spain finally finished in the top three and it was a win right away. In a sprint of three they beat USA and
| | England.
Rogerio Echave (TACXkin) beat Edward Simon (lastplace1414) and Darian Hadfield (Equipe Hollandia) for first place.
 Con Rio de Janeiro
In Brasil, the final race of the series we saw two new nations that were to late for sign up.
Canada and Poland were victims of the famous 20 divided by 22 rule.
England showed they have what it takes after all. Missing the first two races and then winning the last.
They beat Spain and Belgium, who were still fighting for the overall victory.
Rolf Enoch (scuppernong) finished well ahead of Bartoli Edo (CCFC) and Rob Kaisen (Shinboners)
 CoN Cape Town
In Cape Town the teams assembled for a nice race around the coastal line of South Africa.
The final race of the series missed New Zealand and Poland. Some hills in the race meant that the winners were big sprinters with power in their calves to climb the hills.
Germany had the best team and they were victorious in Cape Town. Second was Norway who out sprinted Spain.
Number one was Winfried Reinhold (1 2 Cycle) while Henrik Melby (TeamNorway) beat Urbano Arzu (Team airik)
The overall victory in this seasons Coupe of Nations went to the Netherlands. They just beat Spain and Belgium.
Congratulations to all. The winners, the participants and the fans.
Written by World Tour expert Finz from NightmareChaos to OCMagazine
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