Cascade Classic 2008: Astana Ready to Pounce

Long ago they were adversaries (Levi left, Horner right), but today they are teammates. May the two have mercy on the other teams at the Cascade Classic

News out of Oregon has Astana team members Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner scheduled to ride in the NRC stage race, adding an interesting twist to the way the tactics will play out on the mountainous parcours of the Classic. Onlookers in the stage race should expect a heavy onslaught from the Astana tandem, as they look to release some of their anger surrounding their exclusion from this year's Tour de France.

Other notable entrants for the upcoming Cascade Classic (July 9-13) includes last week's Tour de Nez winner Aaron Olson, of the Bissell team, who will be supported by his powerful teammates Ben Jacques-Maynes and Burke Swindlehurst. BMC, the 'white sharks' of the peloton, will ride in support of their GC man Scott Nydam.

Garmin-Chiptole's no-Tour de France contingent are headlined by GC hope Tom Danielson and fast finisher Tyler Farrar. Each are bothered (to say the least) over their non-selections for the Tour, but will try to make the most of things on home soil. Also suiting up for Garmin will be young Peter Stetina, son of 80's cycling star Dale Stetina. The youngster has shown well in this week's Tour of Pennsylvania stage race, and will be keen to have the opportunity to ride against the 'big boys.'

Also emerging for the hilly Western American classic will be the LA-based Rock Racing team. Former world time trial champion Santiago Botero will lead the acid-green and black outfit, while Cesar Grajales, virtually invisible thus far in 2008, will also be a factor on for Rock on the climbing stages. The former Tour de Georgia Brass Town Bald stage winner should be considered a dark horse for the overall win, or at least the climber's jersey.

Last but not least, look out for the Toyota United squad, as the bring Justin England, Chris Baldwin, and Domique Rollin to Oregon to contest the Cascade. The Toyoat team has yet to announce a sponsor agreement for 2009 and beyond, so every win that owner Sean Tucker's team can earn will help their cause for finding a replacement sponsor for Toyota.

In what should be a rare thrill for many of the entrants in this year's Cascade Classic, two of the best riders in the history of American cycling will toe the line against the field. Each domestic rider will get a real picture for what Pro Tour racing is like, as Levi and Horner shred the field. Euro Peloton expects an overall victory from Leipheimer and at a least a podium from Horner on one of the stages. More likely though is the scenario of both Astana riders making the final podium.

As sad as it is that Levi and Horner won't be at the Tour de France this July, it is also exhilirating that Amercian fans will be able to cheer the two-some on first hand in Oregon this week. They'll add an interesting twist to the domestic stage race, and bring the race more recognition than it normally would have received. Wish I had known ahead of the time that they'd be there. I woulda' been too!