Team Columbia-Highroad's Michael Albasini, Thomas Lovkvist and Konstantin Siutsou will be the American team's three key riders in the 2009 Liege-Bastogne-Liege Classic this Sunday.

“Thomas and Michael did well in [the mid-week warm-up race for Liege-Bastogne-Liege] Fleche Wallone on Wednesday, taking sixth and ninth respectively, so we’re pretty optimistic about their chances in Liege,” analyzes team sports director Valerio Piva.

“Kanstantsin put in some strong performances in the Tour of the Basque Country as well, so these are our three riders we expect to be in the action in the race finale on Sunday.”

“Someone like Tony Martin is in good shape, too, but I get the feeling the finish is just a little too tough for him. If he gets in a break, though, you never know what you could happen. He’s proved that in the past.”

Michael Rogers was supposed to be part of the 2009 Liege-Bastogne-Liege line-up for Columbia-Highroad, but the Australian time trial champion was forced to drop out because of a high overnight fever.

“It’s a pity. Michael's form is good, but he wasn’t feeling great, so we thought it best he didn’t take part as a precaution.”

Rain is now forecast for Sunday, and Piva says that could have a major effect on the race.

“The roads will be very slippery when it starts raining because it’s been dry for a long time now, so that could change things a lot. Liege is a tough race at the best of times, but if it turns wet then it will make it even harder on Sunday.”

Team Columbia-Highroad for the 2009 Liege-Bastogne-Liege:
Michael Albasini (Swi); Kim Kirchen (Lux); Craig Lewis (USA); Thomas Lovkvist (Swe); Tony Martin (Ger); Maxime Monfort (Bel);  Frantisek Rabon (Cze); Konstantin Siutsou (Bul).