Team CSC, ranked No. 1 in the world, heads the list of 17 squads slated to race this year’s Amgen Tour of California, organizers AEG announced Thursday.

The 650-mile stage race starts February 17 in Palo Alto and ends seven days later in Pasadena.

The field includes teams that compete on the UCI ProTour as well as U.S. domestic squads. Hoping to defend his 2007 title will be Levi Leipheimer, riding this season for the newly reformed Astana team.

"Even though the new Astana cycling team is making its U.S. racing debut, we are bringing numerous riders who have found success on U.S. soil in the past," said team spokesman Philippe Maertens. "The riders are excited to begin the season in California and are motivated to help Levi Leipheimer defend his Amgen Tour of California title."

Among the top domestic teams will be tour veterans Health Net-Maxxis, Toyota-United, Jelly Belly and Bissell, alongside newcomers Rock Racing and Kelly Benefit Strategies-Medifast.

"The Jelly Belly Cycling Team is very excited about being selected by the Amgen Tour of California to participate in this year's event," said manager Danny Van Haute.

Several of the teams will also hold their pre-season training camps in California.

For more information, see www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Teams for the 2008 Tour of California
Astana (Lux)
Bissell Pro Cycling Team (USA)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Bouygues Telecom (F)
Crédit Agricole (F)
Gerolsteiner (G)
Health Net-Maxxis (USA)
High Road Sports (G)
Jelly Belly Cycling Team (USA)
Kelly Benefit Strategies-Medifast (USA)
Quick Step (B)
Rabobank (Ned)
Rock Racing (USA)
Saunier Duval-Scott (Sp)
Team CSC (Den)
Team Slipstream-Chipotle (USA)
Toyota-United (USA)