CSC prepares strong line-up for Tour of California

On the other hand, Team CSC is a proven Tour of California contender and will be back to defend its team overall title from 2007 as well as challenge for some stage wins and the overall.

"The Tour of California is a top priority for us and our line up fully matches our ambitions for the race," said Team Manager Bjarne Riis on www.team-csc.com. "With these eight riders we'll be able to go for stages as well as a good overall result.

"It's a very challenging race in which we've always done well and there should be no doubt whatsoever that we're going for the overall victory this year. We've come close before and now we're going out there to fight for the top spot on the podium."

Last year, Team CSC placed four riders in the top ten with Jens Voigt in second, Boby Julich in fourth, Stuart O'Grady in fifth and Christian Vande Velde in sixth. Jason McCartney, who placed third last year while riding for Team Discovery Channel, also now rides for Team CSC.

Team CSC for Tour of California: Fabian Cancellara, Stuart O'Grady, Jens Voigt, Bobby Julich, J.J. Haedo, Karsten Kroon, Gustav Larsson and Jason McCartney.

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