The race will run from Feb. 22-March 7, 2004 and cover 2000 kilometers of climbs and flats terrain, making it the fifth longest stage race in the world. The exact route will be confirmed by the first of the year, but its been said it will be 14 stages, a 6 Km prologue and 26 Km individual Time Trial plus a mid race rest day.

The race has had two previous editions (1999 & 2000) with teams coming over from Europe to compete, before the economic downturn there forced the race to not be held for three years. The newly restructured Argentinean cycling federation is eager to bring the race back and start modestly with its 2.5 UCI status.

Gary thinks its a great opportunity and honored by the invitation for the squad, but many details still have to be worked out as the team prepares for the 2004 season. "The invitation is a sign that my networking and interest in cycling down in South America has not gone unnoticed. What a tremendous experience it could be for all the guys and our sponsors to be able to race at such an event where the sport is genuinely followed much like in Europe. Tons of spectators and fans lining the stages, its could be great. Yet, I must keep things in perspective that it is in February and our 2004 preparations would indeed need to change if we were to go down there to be competitive. After 2000Km in our legs after a race like that we could be looking good to head to early NRC events in good form. I also must consider the safety of the team in a race like this. In short, I will be negotiating with the Argentinean federation to work out the details and see if we accept the invitation or not." Stay tuned for more news on the team's participation in the Vuelta de Argentina.