Oakland, CA – The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team announced its official roster for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California. Scheduled to compete for the Team in the annual race through the Golden State are Rory Sutherland (AUS), Marc de Maar (CUR), Philip Deignan (IRE), Jonny Clarke (AUS), Jeff Louder (USA), Jason McCartney (USA), Brad White (USA), and Northern California’s own Chris Jones (USA).
Photo by Jonathan Devich - epicimages.us
Led by Sutherland, who is coming of an impressive GC win at last week’s 26th Annual SRAM Tour of the Gila and a podium finish at Coppi e Bartali , the squad assembled for this race is ready and well prepared for this year’s Amgen Tour of California. Louder and de Maar have also had good seasons to date as well, with Louder taking 6th in the Tour of the Battenkill and de Maar finishing in the top 10 in stages at the Giro del Trentino and Volta Limburg Classic . Brad White, Chris Jones and Team Captain, Jonny Clarke, have each played a pivotal role anchoring their unit with stellar performances all spring. Also contributing to protecting and setting their Teammates up for wins, podium finishes and top 10 performances in the first part of the season are veterans Jason McCartney and Philip Deignan.
When asked about the Team’s return to the seventh annual eight-day, eight-stage race across California’s scenic roadways, coastlines and iconic settings, General Manager and Team Director, Mike Tamayo, said, “Racing in the Amgen Tour of California is always special. The organizers do a great job putting together a world-class race and we are honored to be competing in it again this year.”
Tamayo continued, “We put the guys through a hard spring campaign of races. We had some bad luck, some crashes, illness and even injuries. But our guys came out tougher and stronger. Their performance at last week’s SRAM Tour of the Gila is a sign that all of the preparation is timed well and we are excited to get going in the Amgen Tour of California.”
“Our title sponsor, UnitedHealthcare, is extremely supportive of this Team and is very involved with the sport. We are excited to represent them and all of our sponsors and partners in the best possible way and make this a great experience for all involved,” Tamayo concluded.
The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team Roster for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California:
Rory Sutherland (AUS)
Marc de Maar (CUR)
Jeff Louder (USA)
Philip Deignan (IRE)
Jonny Clarke (AUS)
Jason McCartney (USA)
Brad White (USA)
Chris Jones (USA)