Vuelta 2008

The Tour of Spain has announced the teams for the 2008 edition of the race, the last of the 'Big Tours' of the year.

The race begins on August 30 and consists of 21 stages.

Not invited are Team High Road and Slipstream. But unlike the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France organisers, Team Astana have been given the nod to race.

Team High Road seemingly preempting the decision have stated; "We had hoped to support the Vuelta and we continue to have a strong interest in the Spanish market,” said Team High Road owner Bob Stapleton.

“However, in the absence of a commitment from the Vuelta race organiser, Team High Road has respectfully chosen to withdraw its application and we will instead support the Tour of Britain, the Tour of Ireland and the Tour of Missouri – each of which meets the marketing objectives of High Road."

2008 Vuelta teams
Astana
Caisse D'Epargne
Euskaltel Euskadi
Saunier Duval
Andalucia-Caja Sur
Karpin Galicia
AG2r-La Mondiale
Bouygues Telecom
Cofidis
La Francaise des Jeux
Credit Agricole
Gerolsteiner
Team Milram
Lampre Liquigas
Quick Step
Silence-Lotto
Rabobank
Tinkoff
Team CSC

Stages
1 - 30/08 Sáb Granada - Granada (Parque Tec. Ciencias de la Salud) (C.R.E.) 7
2 - 31/08 Dom Granada - Jaén 167
3 - 01/09 Lun Jaén - Córdoba 165
4 - 02/09 Mar Córdoba - Puertollano 153
5 - 03/09 Mié Ciudad Real - Ciudad Real (C.R.I.) 40
6 - 04/09 Jue Ciudad Real - Toledo 162
7 - 06/09 Sáb Barbastro - Andorra (Naturlandia - La Rabassa) 224
8 - 07/09 Dom Andorra (Escaldes - Engordany) - Salardú / Naut Aran / Pla de Beret 160
9 - 08/09 Lun Vielha / Mijaran - Sabiñánigo 198
10 - 09/09 Mar Sabiñánigo - Zaragoza 173
11 - 10/09 Mié Calahorra - Burgos 178
12 - 11/09 Jue Burgos - Suances 180
13 - 13/09 Sáb San Vicente de la B. - Alto de L’Angliru 199
14 - 14/09 Dom Oviedo - E. E. Fuentes de Invierno 158
15 - 15/09 Lun Cudillero - Ponferrada 198
16 - 16/09 Mar Ponferrada - Zamora 185
17 - 17/09 Mié Zamora - Valladolid 160
18 - 18/09 Jue Valladolid - Las Rozas 179
19 - 19/09 Vie Las Rozas - Segovia 161
20 - 20/09 Sáb La Granja de S. I. - Alto de Navacerrada (C.R.I.) 16
21 - 21/09 Dom S. Sebastián de los Reyes - Madrid 110
Total: 3173

Website - http://www.lavuelta.com/