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Astana named an international line-up to support Americans Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer in the Giro d'Italia, which starts in Venice on Saturday.

Six nations are represented in the group containing Leipheimer and seven-times Tour de France champion Armstrong, who has returned to the sport this season after retiring in 2005.

Leipheimer and Armstrong took first and second place in last week's Tour of the Gila five-stage race in New Mexico, where they competed alongside compatriot Chris Horner.

It was Armstrong's first competitive appearance since he broke his collarbone in Spain at the end of March.

Despite his second-placed finish, the Texan was quick to play down his chances in the Giro.

"Of course breaking my collarbone has changed my ambitions for the Giro, but I look forward to that race," he said.

"I can ride, without pressure, in an event that I've always wanted to do and I can try to help Levi win.

"It would be an amazing thing for an American to win the Tour of Italy again. I'd be pleased to be there and help."

Armstrong will also be joined in Italy by former Discovery Channel team-mates Jose Luis Rubiera of Spain and the Ukrainian Yaroslav Popovych.

Leipheimer, who has won the Tour of California and the Tour of Castilla y Leon this season, finished 18th in last year's Giro, while Armstrong will be making his first appearance at the prestigious event.

Astana team for the Giro d'Italia:

Lance Armstrong (USA), Jani Brajkovic (SLO), Chris Horner (USA), Levi Leipheimer (USA), Steve Morabito (SUI), Daniel Navarro (ESP), Yaroslav Popovych (UKR), Jose Luis Rubiera (ESP), Andrey Zeits (KAZ).

Watch the Giro d'Italia live on your PC via the Eurosport Player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe. Or watch the action on British Eurosport - available in the UK on Sky channel 410 and Virgin Media channel 521. Coverage begins at 2.45pm on Saturday May 9 and continues at 2pm every day throughout the race.

AFP