With the 2009 ProTour team lineup announced, it seems like the appropriate time to start speculating on who's likely to show up at the Amgen Tour of California.

Last year, 17 teams participated in the eight-day (prologue and seven stages), 670-mile race: Astana (LUX), Bissell Pro Cycling Team (USA), BMC Racing Team (USA), Bouygues Telecom (FRA), Credit Agricole (FRA), Gerolsteiner (GER), Health Net Presented by Maxxis (USA), High Road Sports (GER), Jelly Belly Cycling Team (USA), Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast (USA), Quick Step (BEL), Rabobank Cycling Team (Netherlands), Rock Racing (USA), Saunier Duval-Scott (ESP), Team CSC (DEN), Team Slipstream Powered by Chipotle (USA) and Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team (USA).

This year's race will begin on a Saturday and include nine stages (Feb. 14-22), with precise routes and race distances yet to be announced.

A 16-team line-up is expected for 2009. At least one team (Astana) is a lock. With a 2.HC categorized rating, you can expect eight ProTour teams in this year's field. Let the speculation begin.