Marking a return to the race that he and his Mellow Johnny's team won last year, Lance Armstrong will take the start in New Mexico's Silver City on April 28, for the 24th annual Tour of the Gila.

Also part of the Mellow Johnny's Team will be Levi Leipheimer and with Jason McCartney,
                   
The Mellow Johnny's trio expects the five days, 339 miles and 25,231 feet of climbing to provide incredibly challenging racing as well as the perfect lead-in and preparation for long term goals, beginning with the 2010 Amgen Tour of California and followed by the 2010 Tour de France.
                   
"Not only do the state and the local fans embrace this race, but the terrain, competition, and timing is perfect. We are looking forward to taking the start in Silver City, it's a great event," Lance Armstrong stated. "It is also a great opportunity to ride with our U23 squad and check in on their development," Armstrong added.
                   
Co-race Director Jack Brennan added, "This is really cool, could not be happier about the direction of our race, the fact that Levi and Lance are coming back, and that the fields are stacked with North America's best riders. This will be a showcase of talent."
                   
Men's teams include United Healthcare - Maxxis, Jelly Belly, Trek-LIVESTRONG, (NRC Champions) Jamis Sutter Home - ColaVita, and (Redlands winners) Fly V Australia.
                   
Women's teams include TIBCO, Peanut Butter & Co. - 2012, Colavita/baci - Cooking Light, and Team Vera Bradley Foundation. The Women's race is now part of the Women's Prestige series.
                  
The Trek-LIVESTRONG roster for the 2010 Tour of the Gila features: Alex Dowsett, Ben King, Julian Kyer, Taylor Phinney, Chase Pinkham, Jesse Sergent and Tim Roe.