Saunier Duval-Scott announce California roster

Saunier Duval-Scott has announced the roster it will return to next month's Tour of California with, after the outfit missed last year's race. The Spanish ProTour squad's bike supplier, Scott USA, has increased its involvement with the outfit this year, becoming a joint title sponsor.

"We are very excited to field a team once again at the Tour of California," said Adrian Montgomery. "This is becoming an important component of the Pro Tour and also serves the needs of the US market."

The Tour of California has gained increasing importance in the cycling world, with the top outfits targeting the North American event as a result of its growing cycling market. The UCI's plans to globalise the ProTour has also put an increased spotlight on the event, which is the most likely candidate for ProTour status if the UCI adds America to the calendar in the near future. This month the ProTour made its debut outside of Europe, with Australia hosting the first non-European round at the Tour Down Under.

This year's race starts on February 17 with an individual time trial in Palo Alto replacing that held in San Francisco last year. The race will again feature eight stages, finishing with a 150 kilometre leg from Santa Clarita - Paseadena on February 24.

Saunier Duval-Scott for Tour of California: Raivis Belohvosciks, Rubens Bertogliati, Iker Camaño, David Cañada, Eros Capecchi, Ermanno Capelli, Ángel 'Litu' Gómez and Luciano Pagliarini.