For those who haven’t gotten the idea that American cycling is on the up-swing, consider Friday’s news about Team BMC.

The American continental team picked up the only at-large invite to the Tour of Romandie in Switzerland in late April/early May. All 18 UCI Pro Tour teams will be joining BMC, which is owned by former Phonak sponsor Andy Rhis (who also owns the BMC bike company).

Of course, it didn’t hurt that the BMC bike company is the race’s title sponsor, and that one of its two headquarters is in Switzerland, but it’s doubtful BMC would have been invited without its impressive resume so far this season. Last week, it opened eyes at the Tour of California by putting riders in almost all the breaks and earning the Most Aggressive Team award. And early this week, it was invited to Criterium International in late March.

BMC also competed in the Tour of Qatar, which is organized by Amaury Sports Organization — the Tour de France people. The TdF might be a stretch for this year, but BMC is on the radar.

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