Feb 13, 2008

Bettini and Leipheimer lead Tour contenders

Some of world's best will race in Palo Alto

FROM DAILY NEWS DISPATCHES

Paolo Bettini of Italy and defending champion Levi Leipheimer of the United States will be in the field as some of the world's best cyclists race in the Amgen Tour of California that begins Sunday in Palo Alto.

The top riders participating were announced Tuesday by AEG Sports, presenter of the race. These riders will be part of the field of 136 in the third annual professional cycling stage race. Complete rosters will be announced Thursday.

"The Amgen Tour of California offers the world's best cyclists some of the most challenging terrain that California has to offer," said Kristin Bachochin, senior director of AEG Sports, presenter of the race. "This list of world-class riders solidifies the race's position as one of the premier cycling events in the world."

Some top riders and their teams:

Leipheimer, Astana, winner of Stage 19 in France, where he finished third overall in the 2007 Tour

Bettini, Quick Step, the road champion at the 2007 World Championships

Tom Boonen (Belgium), Quick Step, winner of two stages and the Sprint at the 2007 Tour de France

Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland), Team CSC, winner of the prologue and Stage 3 at the Tour de France as well as the time trial at the World Championships

Kim Kirchen (USA), High Road, who finished seventh overall at the Tour de France

Oscar Freire Gomez (Spain), Rabobank

George Hincapie (USA), High Road

Bobby Julich (USA), Team CSC

David Millar (Great Britain), Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30

Fred Rodriquez (USA), Rock Racing

Rory Sutherland (Australia), Health Net Presented by Maxxis