Liquigas, Quick.Step for Mallorca Challenge

Liquigas-Bianchi has announced its line-up for the upcoming Mallorca Challenge, which starts on Sunday, February 5. Luca Paolini, Magnus Bäckstedt and Vincenzo Nibali will head the team roster on the Spanish island, supported by Michael Albasini, Kjell Carlström, Dario Cioni, Nicola Loda, Vladimir Miholjevic, Marco Milesi and Franco Pellizotti. The squad has been training in Mallorca since last Sunday.

"Racing on the Balearic island will allow us to fine-tune the riders' form," said team manager Stefano Zanatta. "We aren't looking for victory obsessively, but I think the guys have worked hard and we may already get some good results in these races. After debuting in Australia, Luca Paolini is in good condition. I expect him to be one of the favourite riders to win together with Bäckstedt and Nibali."

Belgian team Quick.Step is also lining up in Palma de Mallorca this Sunday. Serge Baguet, Davide Bramati, Paolo Bettini, Francesco Chicchi, Ad Engels, Servais Knaven, Juan Manuel Garate, Josè Antonio Garrido, Filippo Pozzato, Leonardo Scarselli, Ivan Santaromita, Hubert Schawb, Davide Viganò and Wouter Weylandt are the team's selection to participate in the various Trofeos, with Baguet and Bettini racing in all five events while their team-mates will sign up for three or four races.