Giro d’Italia stage winner Matt Goss, fellow Australian Leigh Howard and American rider Craig Lewis will lead the men’s HTC Columbia team in this weekend’s Philadelphia International Championship on Sunday, aiming for a victorious showing in the race.
Meanwhile three time victor Ina Yoko Teutenberg will try for a fourth title in the women’s Liberty Classic, teaming up with the American riders Kim Anderson and the first year pro Evelyn Stevens.
As an American team, success in the race is a big priority for Bob Stapleton’s squad, and the sports directors are feeling confident that a good showing is on the cards.
"Matt Goss, in his first year with HTC-Columbia, was instrumental in the team's success at the Tour Down Under," said Tristan Hoffman. "He is a tireless worker and teammate, and is in great form and capable of personal success like his stage win at the Giro. And Leigh Howard, who wore the leader's jersey in the Tour of Bavaria last week, is also in top form for Philadelphia. So we have a lot of strong options."
Teutenberg is one of the strongest riders on the women’s circuit and has been flying of late. She grabbed three stage wins in the Tour de l’Aude, and dominated the Tour of Chongming Island where she took the overall plus two stages.
She will join up with Anderson, Stevens, Emilia Fahlin (Sweden) and Linda Villumsen (New Zealand).
Sport director Rene Wenzel is in a determined mood. "It is great to be back in Philly for the Liberty Classic, no doubt my favorite one-day race," he said. "As in years past, we will give it all plus more to bring back a great result."
Teutenberg beat Joanne Kiesanowski (TIBCO) and Shelley Olds (Proman-Hit Squad) to win the women’s race last year, while the men’s event went to Columbia’s Andre Greipel ahead of Greg Henderson. Kirk O’Bee (Bissell Pro Cycling) was third.