Amgen Tour of California – Who’s Favored To Win – The Amgen Tour of California kicks off today and you can watch it on Versus (*Update: It appears that they are only broadcasting the final stretch of each stage but you can follow the race’s progress at the tour’s web site). It’s great to see a race of this magnitude gaining recognition here in the U.S.

With many new teams, new teammates, and new fans coming on board every day, here’s a list of the teams and racers that always get a mention or two from the announcers and other “pros that know.”

Lance Armstrong with his new Team Radio Shack is the name recognition guy here but honestly, his teammate, Levi Leipheimer is the one the team will want to put across the finish line for a fourth straight tour victory. Levi is a Cali dude and this is his home turf and crowd.

Team Radio Shack will use this to get a good feel for other GC riders as everyone begins to gear up for the Tour de France. With Johan Bruyneel at the helm (think Bill Belichick or Mike Shanahan but much, much nicer) The Shack will stay strong all season.

Not to be forgotten (Jonathan Vaughters would never allow it anyway) is Team Garmin-Transitions. Another U.S. team that I have always respected, they are strong and they are relentless. With Dave Zabriske in the runner-up spot here at the Tour of California twice, he can’t be overlooked as a contender.

Mark Cavendish from Team HTC-Columbia is usually the first name to be mentioned when it comes to sprinters these days and without Thor Hushovd on his wheel, there’s no reason to think he won’t win the sprinter’s jersey here. Mick Rogers and Tony Martin will be the biggest threats on this team to take the overall top spot on the podium.

I gotta tell you that Saxo-Bank’s Andy Schleck drives me nuts. I love his style and power and I hate that he was so good going against Armstrong and Team Astana last year in the Tour de France. Nevertheless, when a guy is this good, you have to say along with teammate, Fabulous Fabian Cancellara, he’s got as good a chance as anyone in the field to finish first.

To round it out, never, ever, ever count out Big George Hincapie to at least take one stage for the BMC Racing Team, Quick Step’s Tom Boonen is hungry, and there’s a newbie getting looks and whispers by the name of Peter Sagan who rides for Team Liquigas-Doimo.

It’s a different course this year and anything can happen. Sit back with your Snapples and cheese thingies and let’s see where the Amgen Tour of California takes us.