Sastre to lead CSC

The time-trials on the Tour of Spain – by far Sastre's weakest discipline - are shorter than in France, and he could profit from the mountain stages during the first and third weeks.

Sporting Director Kim Andersen announced: "to me this is definitely the strongest team we've ever had in the Vuelta. [Carlos] Sastre has said he's very motivated to do well, and that we have to provide him with the best support possible. He has been tremendous this year and deserves the opportunity to get a great result in the Vuelta."

Full CSC team for the Tour of Spain: Kurt Asle Arvesen, Lars Bak, Fabian Cancellara, Inigo Cuesta, Volodymir Gustov, Marcus Ljungqvist, Stuart O'Grady, Carlos Sastre and Nicki Sorensen.

Belgian outfit Quickstep have also finalised their roster for the race, with World Champion Tom Boonen being a notable absentee. They are likely to support Paolo Bettini.

Full Quickstep team for the Tour of Spain: Paolo Bettini, Kevin De Weert, Ad Engels, Jose Antonio Garrido, Kevin Hulsmans, Sebastien Rosseler, Matteo Tosatto, Kevin Van Impe and Davide Vigano

Milram have included both of their top sprinters, Erik Zabel and Alessandro Petacchi for the tour, though it remains to be seen who will lead the team. Victories have been few and far between for the veteran German this season, while Petacchi has had little racing since breaking his kneecap in the Giro in May.

Full Milram team for the Tour of Spain: Alessandro Petacchi, Erik Zabel, Daniel Becke, Volodymyr Dyudya, Alberto Ongarato, Enrico Poitschke, Fabio Sacchi, Sebastian Siedler and Marco Velo.