Jonas Carney’s 2009 Kelly Benefit Strategies squad heads to the Redlands Classic this weekend with one of it’s strongest line ups ever. The team moves west with an A-list roster that includes former Redlands Overall winner Andrew Bajadali, KOM jersey winner and new addition Jake Erker plus 2007 rainmaker Alex Candelario, pivotal in Bajadali’s win two years ago.

Team TIBCO brings its strongest roster ever into the first NRC stage race of the season this weekend, the Redlands Classic, beginning Thursday, March 26.

It’s a wide open race. It’s not a pure GC rider’s race. Redlands isn’t for pure climbers or time trial specialists. Just about any one of Tibco’s riders could be in contention for the overall. Someone like Lauren (Tamayo) or Kat (Carroll) could get in the right move on Beaumont (Friday) and get in contention.

The team will still look to several riders in particular in pursuit of the overall title, including Carroll, who finished 3rd in the 2008 edition, and rising Canadian star Julie Beveridge, who posted a 9th overall last year.

The team also can look to Kiwi Joanne Kiesanowski, who finished 8th in the 2008 world championship road race, as well as veteran Aussie Emma Rickards, who returns to racing in the U.S. after four years with top-level teams in Europe and a 2nd place finish in the 2008 Geelong World Cup. Powerhouse Amber Rais gives the team yet another weapon for the overall and stage wins. For the downtown Redlands criterium, Tamayo is the top candidate for a sprint finish after posting strong results at the Tour of Qatar and the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium.

Team TIBCO Roster for the Redlands Classic, March 26-29:

Julie Beveridge, CAN
Rushlee Buchanan, NZL
Katharine Carroll, USA
Joanne Kiesanowski, NZL
Meredith Miller, USA
Amber Rais, USA
Emma Rickards, AUS
Lauren Tamayo, USA