The OUCH Pro Cycling team will field a strong team for the upcoming Tour of California, headed by 2006 race winner Floyd Landis. Paired with Australian Rory Sutherland, twice the overall winner of the USA National Racing Calendar classification, the team is looking to make an impression in the race when it begins on Saturday, February 14th in Sacramento, California.
Much of the team organisation and riders were previously together as the Health Net team, and directeur sportif Mike Tamayo said that they have assembled the strongest team they've ever put together for this race. "Last year, Rory was one of the most aggressive riders during the race. And Floyd is Floyd, only better because his hip is healthy and he's highly motivated to do well at this race again."
In order to be in top form to help his team in California, Tim Johnson cut his cyclo-cross season short and will be ready to play a major support role. Also backing Landis is Patrick McCarty – a former Phonak teammate of Landis' who is reunited with his captain under the OUCH banner.
Also toeing the line in Sacramento will be Cameron Evans, Karl Menzies, John Murphy and Brad White.
"We have a lot of guys who are threats for stage wins in this group," Tamayo said. "We intend to race aggressively and have an impact on the race."
OUCH Pro Cycling Presented by Maxxis for the Amgen Tour of California: Floyd Landis, Rory Sutherland, Cameron Evans, Tim Johnson, Pat McCarty, Karl Menzies, John Murphy, Brad White.