Twenty-one professional cycling teams, including 16 from the ProTour circuit, have been invited to participate in the August 29-September 20 Vuelta de Espana, organizers said Friday.

Teams from 10 countries boasting riders of 27 different nationalities will be represented in the Vuelta which starts in the Netherlands and will also continue its first four stages in Germany and Belgium.

Invited teams for the Vuelta
ProTour: AG2R, Astana, Bouygues Telecom, Caisse d’Epargne, Cofidis, Euskaltel, Française des Jeux, Garmin, Lampre, Liquigas, Quick Step, Rabobank, Silence, Columbia, Milram, Saxo Bank

Others: Andalucia, Cervélo, Contentpolis, Vacansoleil, Xacobeo