There were only so many Continental Level teams invited to the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, and competition for the spots is fierce. Oakland based UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling was invited, though, and now they have to perform at the level befitting a team racing alongside world class competition. It's a big step up in competition, but their timing in taking that step couldn't be better. The team is coming off a dominating performance in the SRAM Tour of the Gila, where all-rounder Rory Sutherland won the first stage of the race and never gave up the lead. He had strong team support throughout, winning only the first stage but finishing in the top three several times. They've supplemented their Gila roster with a few pairs of fresh legs and are looking to make an impact in the 2012 Tour of California. They have the kind of attitude a smaller team needs, with Jonathan Clarke as an aggressive climber and Jason McCartney listing one of his strengths on the bike as "ripping the legs off other guys."
The full United Healthcare Pro Cycling roster for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California is:
Jonathan Clarke (Australia)
Marc de Maar (Netherlands)
Philip Deignan (Ireland)
Christopher Jones (USA)
Jeffry Louder (USA)
Jason McCartney (USA)
Rory Sutherland (Australia)
Bradley White (USA)
SB Nation Bay Area will have updates, previews, recaps and analysis throughout the 2012 Tour of California. And as always, excellent cycling commentary, news and insight can be found at Podium Cafe.