Organisers of the Amgen Tour of California have confirmed the inclusion of eight ProTour squads in the 2009 event, which takes place over Feburary 14-22.
Ag2r, Astana, Garmin-Slipstream, Liquigas, Quick Step, Rabobank, Columbia and Saxo Bank will all field teams in the stage race.
"We have a great roster of top athletes, and the Amgen Tour of California delivers a great stage on which to perform," said Bob Stapleton of Team Columbia.
"The Amgen Tour of California is great for the sport of cycling in the US and great for the sport overall."
At present, Columbia has not confirmed whether its British sprinter Mark Cavendish will be part of its team at the event. However, given the status of the race in the States - home to the team's main sponsor - it is likely that its star rider will be in attendance, as he was in 2008.
The Tour of California is America's largest stage race, and last year attracted an estimated 1.6 million spectators to the road side as they watched Leipheimer ride to victory. Britain's David Millar (Garmin-Slipstream) came second.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
