By making this bold threat the Denmark-based cycling team is entering the current fight for the final available WorldTour license with strong force. An offensive strategy which may backfire since Tour de France organizer Amaury Sport Organisation is known to not take kindly to threats. The WorldTour exclusion or inclusion decision, however, is made by the UCI.

If Team Saxo-Tinkoff is not granted a WorldTour license the team's Tour de France participation will be dependent on the team receiving a wild card invitation from the French organizer A.S.O.

"I want a 100% firm guarantee that Saxo-Tinkoff is taking part in the 2013 Tour. If I am to receive such a decision two months before the Tour start I am not taking part in the Tour," Contador told French TV station France2.

I have to prepare properly to be able to win the Tour de France. If I don't have time enough for both myself and other team members to carry out the proper training needed in the months leading up to the Tour, then I am not riding the Tour," Contador adds.

Team Saxo-Tinkoff is lacking the WorldTour points needed to ensure inclusion in the WorldTour because Alberto Contador's WorldTour points are not included in the team's total points sum because of the Spanish rider's doping conviction.