UnitedHealthcare among teams named for Strade Bianche, Roma Maxima
Giro owner RCS Sports announces the teams for its early-March semi-classics
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Giro d’Italia owner RCS Sport on Thursday announced the teams to compete in its two early-season semi-classics, Strade Bianche and Roma Maxima. Among the teams to line up for the one-day races will be U.S.-based second-division UnitedHealthcare and the MTN-Qhubeka squad of 2013 Milano-Sanremo winner Gerald Ciolek.
Strade Bianche takes place on the white dirt roads of Tuscany on March 8. The Cannondale team of defending champion Moreno Moser heads the list of 18 teams set for the hilly race that serves as the kickoff to two weeks of Italian racing culminating in Milano-Sanremo on March 23.
Roma Maxima, formerly known as the Giro del Lazio, returned in 2013 after a four-year hiatus. The one-day race, which finishes at the Roman Forum near the Coliseum, will feature 17 teams, including the Ag2r La Mondiale squad of 2013 winner Blel Kadri.
RCS Sport previously announced its wildcard invitations to the Giro d’Italia: Androni Giocattoli, Bardiani-CSF, Colombia, and Yellow Fluo.
Teams for 2014 Strade Bianche:
Astana
BMC Racing
Cannondale
Lampre-Merida
Movistar
Omega Pharma-Quick Step
Giant-Shimano
Katusha
Sky
Tinkoff-Saxo
Trek Factory Racing
Androni Giocattoli
Bardiani-CSF
Colombia
IAM Cycling
MTN-Qhubeka
UnitedHealthcare
Yellow Fluo
Teams for 2014 Roma Maxima:
Ag2r La Mondiale
Astana
BMC Racing
Cannondale
Lampre-Merida
Movistar
Giant-Shimano
Katusha
Sky
Trek Factory Racing
Androni Giocattoli
Bardiani-CSF
Colombia
IAM Cycling
MTN-Qhubeka
UnitedHealthcare
Yellow Fluo