The Astana cycling team has named an international line-up to support Americans Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer in the Tour of Italy, which starts in Venice on Saturday.
Six nations are represented in the group containing Leipheimer and seven-time Tour de France champion Armstrong.
Leipheimer and Armstrong took first and second place in last week's Tour of the Gila five-stage race in New Mexico, where they competed alongside compatriot Chris Horner.
Armstrong will also be joined in Italy by former Discovery Channel team-mates Jose Luis Rubiera of Spain and the Ukrainian Yaroslav Popovych.
Leipheimer, who has won the Tour of California and the Tour of Castilla y Leon this season, finished 18th in last year's Giro, while Armstrong will be making his first appearance at the prestigious event.
