Oakland, CA – The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team announced today its official roster for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California. Scheduled to compete for the Blue Train in one of the world’s most important stage races are Robert Förster (GER), Christian Meier (CAN), Karl Menzies (AUS), Andrew Pinfold (CAN), Rory Sutherland (AUS), Charly Wegelius (GBR), Brad White (USA), and Northern California’s own, Chris Jones (USA).
When asked about the Team’s return to the sixth annual eight-day, eight-stage race across nearly 800 miles of scenic California roadways, coastlines and iconic settings, General Manager and Team Director, Mike Tamayo, said, “We are ready. Our climbing team came together last month at the Vuelta a Asturias. Rory Sutherland and Charly Wegelius have been on the podium for us a few times and Robert Förster has won a couple of stages so far this year. Our speed team is doing very well right now in the USA Crits Speed Week. Overall, the miles the guys put in while racing in Europe are paying off and we are pleased with the way they have come together as a unit. This Team is ready, and we can’t wait for the Amgen Tour of California to get underway.”
Sutherland, Wegelius, and Meier and all head into this year’s Amgen Tour of California coming off podium finishes and top-10 overall performances in the Vuelta a Asturias, Giro del Trentino and Settimana di Coppi e Bartali. Förster, who CyclingNews named earlier this year as one of North America’s Top Riders to Watch in 2011, is coming off a sensational run through the first part of the season. The German speedster has established himself as a force in sprints thanks to his numerous top-10 finishes, several podium appearances (including his spectacular performance during this year’s Tour of Langkawi – four straight podiums in Stages 7 – 10), and stage wins in Langkawi and Asturias. White, Menzies and Pinfold have played an integral role throughout the season, especially the past several days as part of the Squad that has been dominating the USA Crits Speed Week. And Northern California’s own Chris Jones (who hails from Auburn, California) has been a force for the Team during their most recent block of European racing.
Commenting on his Team’s participation in this year’s race, Team President Thierry Attias said, “We are honored to be a part of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California. This is a world-class race and provides cycling fans with a tremendous opportunity to see just how incredible this sport truly is. The organizers always do a fantastic job putting this event together and our title sponsor, UnitedHealthcare, is sponsoring Stage 4. Needless to say, we can’t wait to get out there and represent our sponsors and partners in the best possible way. We are excited to do our part in making this a great experience for all involved.”
The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team roster for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California:
Robert Förster (GER)
Chris Jones (USA)
Christian Meier (CAN)
Karl Menzies (AUS)
Andrew Pinfold (CAN)
Rory Sutherland (AUS)
Charly Wegelius (GBR)
Brad White (USA)
