World road champion Philippe Gilbert and recent Critérium International podium finisher Tejay van Garderen headline the BMC Racing Team's roster for Vuelta al Pais Vasco.

Gilbert changed his program to include the six-day race after withdrawing from the Tour of Flanders due to a lingering cold. "This is the best race to prepare for the Ardennes classics, which are my main goal," Gilbert said. "I need a stage race where I can go hard on the climbs." 

The 833 km race includes 31 categorized climbs and a 24 km time trial that van Garderen - third at Critérium International last weekend and the best young rider of the race - said will allow him to gauge his form. "I can't say this race has been a big target of mine going into the season, but it would be good to test myself a little bit," he said. "Looking at the stage profiles, they all look pretty hard. Stage 3 - with its summit finish - looks like an interesting one. And obviously the time trial on the last day is something I will go for."

BMC Racing Team Assistant Director Yvon Ledanois said the team's roster is built for chasing stage wins and breakaway opportunities. "With Tejay coming off a good Paris-Nice and Critérium International, I trust this will be a good experience for him and the entire team," he said. "There are a lot of opportunities for us."