Tejay van Garderen looks forward to uncoming title defense in his home race held in Colorado following his successful Tour de France campaign, but according to the provisional start list published by USA Pro Chalenge organizers, the BMC leader will face a stiff competition in this year’s edition of American’s most colorful cycling event.

Davide Formolo (Cannondale), Janier Acevedo, Tom Danielson (Garmin-Sharp), Michael Rogers, Rafał Majka (Tinkoff-Saxo), Leopold Konig (NetApp-Endura) or Frank Schleck, Riccardo Zoild and Robert Riserlovski (Trek Factory Racing) are all expected to line-up in the North American event held in Colorado, but van Garderen remains unfazed ahead of his title defense, claiming that competing in front of his family and friends serves him as an additional confidence boost.

"Because it starts in my hometown, it’s different and more relaxed. To race in front of my family and friends is always special. We are bringing a really motivated team and with a summit finish this year, it promises to be another hard race," van Garderen said, according to Cyclingnews.

Currently leading in the Tour of Utah general classification, Danielson also looks forward to USA Pro Challenge, one of the most important targets for his American-based Garmin-Sharp team.

"I’m super excited to be coming back to race the USA Pro Challenge with my Garmin-Sharp teammates," said Danielson. "Personally, it’s the one event every year I really look forward to because of the huge and crazy crowds and the general vibe of the race. It’s like no other race. Plus, our team is headquartered in Denver, so we have extra motivation."

The 2014 edition of the USA Pro Challenge was also chosen as Jens Voigt’s final appearance before hanging up his wheels, mainly because of the famous, colorful cycling enthusiast up the roads.

"I chose the Pro Challenge as my final race because of the fans," said Voigt. "All the fans in Colorado love outdoor activities, so they are all experts…they know exactly how hard it is to go up those crazy-long climbs. It’s a beautiful state and I just always love the warm welcome and the support I get from the fans."