Cavendish (pictured above) won six stages in the Tour De France and one in the recent Tour Of Ireland and has won 21 stages and two criterium races this season.
"We bring Mark Cavendish, the world's fastest sprinter, backed by a team of experienced, highly motivated riders and we have great expectations," commented Colombia's Sports Director Tristian Hoffman. "There should be lots of opportunities for bunch sprints, and of course we will take full advantage."
"[Australian Time Trial Champion] Michael Rogers is eager and really well prepared. He had a good showing in the Giro d'Italia and Eneco Tour, and is even stronger now," Hoffman said. "And it's always something special for our team to race in the U.S., since our home base is here in California. We every chance of getting some great results in Missouri."
Lance Armstrong is not in the race as it clashes with an already scheduled Livestrong fundraiser in Canada.
His Astanta team will race along side Columbia-HTC, Garmin-Slipstream minus David Millar and Bradley Wiggins, Liquigas, Quick Step and Saxo Bank and Professional Continental teams Cervelo TestTeam and BMC. Canadian Planet Energy have also qualified to ride.
American domestic teams include Jelly Belly, OUCH presented by Maxxis, BissellPro Cycling Team, Colavita / Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light, Kelly Benefit Strategies and Team Type 1. BMC Racing.