Liquigas

So what if lime green hasn’t been a popular choice for kit since…well, ever. Liquigas have a squad built around experienced riders and up and coming talents, making them one of the strongest squads in the bunch. Their results from 2008 back this up with a total of thirty wins spread throughout the season. On paper they look to have even more firepower for 2009 with the signing of Ivan Basso, returning from his two year suspension, and Sylvester Szmyd coming from Lampre.

Basso will be a key focal point in the major races while he’ll draw support from Franco Pellizotti. In the Tour the team will look to Roman Kreuziger and Vincenzo Nibali to crack into the top ten, while Daniele Bennati is probably Cavendish’s main sprint rival, if and when the Italian is fit.

Star Riders:

Ivan Basso: Two years away from the sport and the Italian is confident that he can reach the heights he reached in 2006 at CSC. The jury is still out on that one after a mediocre display in the Giro d’Italia but Basso still has time on his side.

Daniele Bennati: He’s won stages in every Grand Tour and the only major points jersey that alludes him is the green of the Tour de France. He’s been plagued by injuries and illness since last spring but unlike most of his rivals he can meet and even beat the speed of Mark Cavendish on a regular basis.

One to watch:

Roman Kreuziger: The Czech rider is become one of cycling’s most exciting talents after winning the Tour de Suisse in 2008 and the white jersey in the Tour. A podium place might be out of reach in the Tour this year but expect him to hit the top ten.