Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Fabien Cancellara and Oscar Freire will Lead Race’s Best-Ever Field of Seventeen of the World’s Best Teams to Compete in February 14-22 Stage Race

Pasadena, Calif. January 23, 2009 – Joining the previously announced eight ProTour teams, nine additional Pro Continental and Continental teams have been confirmed for the 2009 Amgen Tour of California by AEG, presenter of the professional cycling race.

The complete 2009 Amgen Tour of California roster will feature the following 17 professional cycling teams:

Ag2r-La Mondiale (FRA)

Astana (KAZ)

Bissell Pro Cycling Team ( USA )*

BMC Racing Team ( USA )*

Cervelo Test Team (SUI)*

Colavita/Sutter Home Presented by Cooking Light ( USA )*

Fly V Australia presented by Successful Living Foundation Team (AUS)*

Garmin-Chipotle ( USA )

Jelly Belly Cycling Team ( USA )*

Liquigas (ITA)

Ouch Presented by Maxxis ( USA )*

Quick Step (BEL)

Rabobank ( Netherlands )

Rock Racing ( USA )*

Saxo Bank (DEN)

Team Columbia ( USA )

Team Type 1 ( USA )*

*Newly announced

"These 17 teams represent the strongest field we have had at the Amgen Tour of California . We are delighted to have some of the world’s best and most established teams and we welcome the new teams who will be racing with us for the first time,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports.

FINAL TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR 2009 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA/2-2-2

Along with the Pro Tour teams, the growing class of top domestic teams will be represented by return competitors Bissell Pro Cycling Team, BMC Racing Team , Colavita/Sutter Home Presented by Cooking Light, Jelly Belly Cycling Team, OUCH Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis (formerly Team Health Net) and Rock Racing , and new competitors Cervelo Test Team, Fly V Australia presented by Successful Living Foundation Team and Team Type 1.

"The BMC Racing Team for the 2009 Amgen Tour of California will possibly be the strongest roster that we've fielded in any race since the inception of the program,” said Gavin Chilcott, manager of the BMC Racing Team , which is based in Northern California . “New talent has joined the team, and our two-week training camp in Northern California will be ideal preparation for the race. We've investigated some of the courses, and overall I am very pleased with the prospects for our group this year."

The Stage 7 finish in Pasadena will end at the Rose Bowl and is also the location of the Amgen Tour of California Lifestyle Festival. The festival will feature:

• A health & fitness expo

• Cancer awareness education

• Cycling vendors selling gear

• Family activities

• Bike safety information

• Food and Beverages

• Entertainment Stage

• Informational and vendor booths

Children who are at the finish line can have fun at the Kids Fitness Zone where they can participate in fun and exciting activities including a bounce house and rock climbing wall. Admission is free for both events and will be available from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information about the teams competing in the 2009 Amgen Tour of California , please visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com . The Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Pasadena as a desirable meeting, convention, and leisure travel destination. For more information, contact the Pasadena CVB at or go to visitpasadena.com.

Media Contact: John Kearns

Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau

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