The name may have changed, but the most honored crew in US cycling has retained its winning mojo.

The team, which has topped NRC rankings for five straight years, is back on the racing circuit with a new title sponsor joining longtime supporter Maxxis. OUCH presented by Maxxis will start the season at this month’s Amgen Tour of California.

The 2009 line-up is a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers:

 Rory Sutherland, first in NRC individual standings for two years running, is back for another year. In 2008, Sutherland took overall wins at Joe Martin, Mount Hood and Nature Valley.

 Tim Johnson, who took the overall title of the USGP of Cyclocross last year, is also returning. Johnson, who had his most successful cyclocross season ever last year, is the OUCH/Maxxis captain.

 Roman Kilun is another returning veteran. Kilun, whose time trial ranking grew throughout the past season, ultimately took seventh place at the 2008 National Time Trial Championships. Kilun earned his first two career wins at last season’s Tour de Nez.

 Karl Menzies is back and stronger than ever. Menzies has recovered from the effects of a crash at the Reading Classic in June, which kept him away from the circuit during the summer of 2008.

 Floyd Landis, who has raced for top Pro Tour teams, is new to OUCH presented by Maxxis. Landis will appear on the covers of the March 2009 issues of ROAD magazine and VeloNews.

 Jonathan Chodroff is also new to the team, and is looking forward to his first year as a pro. Chodroff has racked up an amateur record that includes an elite time trial championship last season and a strong showing at the Fitchburg Classic.

 Cameron Evans is joining the team after a winning run with Symmetrics. Among his many victories: an overall win at San Dimas in 2008.

 Bobby Lea joins OUCH/Maxxis after competing on the 2008 US Olympics in Beijing.

 Patrick McCarty is also new to OUCH/Maxxis. A veteran of years at the top levels of the European circuit, he’s a powerful stage-racer. His strengths helped his then-team to win the 2008 Gira d’Italia.

 John Murphy is returning to OUCH/Maxxis after a strong season in 2008. Murphy won the overall and points competition at last year’s Tour of Taiwan.

 Andrew Pinfold brings substantial sprinting skills, climbing ability and a talent for getting in breaks to OUCH/Maxxis.

 Bradley White is also new to the team. White finished in the top ten at the 2008 Tour of the Gila, and has also taken several top-ten stage finishes.

Maxxis is proud to support OUCH presented by Maxxis, and anticipates another championship season from this cycling powerhouse. Be sure to visit Maxxis.com throughout 2009 to get news of this top team’s latest victories.