The Spanish-based team Saunier Duval-Scott dropped out of the event, citing several injuries to key riders, a move that essentially opened the 15th and final spot for Rock Racing a team that includes 2004 Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton, who served a two-year suspension for doping.
Rock Racing's roster will likely be led by Colombia's Santiago Botero, who won last week's Redlands Bicycle Classic and is a former world time trial champion.
``The fans told us they wanted us to be there,'' Rock Racing owner Michael Ball said on the team's Web site.
Several other top Americans will be in the field, including Astana's Levi Leipheimer and 2003 Tour de Georgia champion Chris Horner; three-time USA Cycling road champion George Hincapie of Team High Road; 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Bobby Julich of Team CSC; and Tom Danielson, Christian VandeVelde and David Zabriskie of Slipstream Chipotle.
The race begins Monday with a stage from Tybee Island, Ga. to Savannah.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/4/209087