The Colombian, who crashed out of Paris-Nice in March with a broken collarbone, will co-lead the team with 2013 Tour of California winner Tejay van Garderen, forming an imposing alliance across seven stages and 1,251km of racing.
Lawson Craddock, Alex Howes, Taylor Phinney, Sergio Higuita and Lachlan Morton will ride in support of the pair.
“Mt. Baldy will provide the most fireworks,” van Garderen said. “The day before we race Baldy, stage five going into Ventura passes right by my second home in Los Olivos, and it’s always exciting to be on home roads."
The race marks the WorldTour debut of new Colombian signing Sergio Higuita.
“I’m so excited to debut at the Tour of California," the 21-year-old said. "I look forward to working for guys like Rigo and Tejay,” he said. “I looked up to them when I was younger, so to be able to ride alongside them is a big motivation for me to give my best.”
It is also the first race Morton has teamed up with Uran. But the Aussie won't let the Colombian's serious contender status get in the way of fun in the USA.
"With the calibre of the team we’re bringing to California, I’ll be working for the big boys,” he said. "I’ve never raced with Rigo, and I’m excited to work for a champion of his calibre."
"Cycling is a young and exciting sport in the USA,” the former Jelly Belly rider said. “It’s not about tradition. It’s about having a good time.
“The crowds are always amazing. Better than the majority of races we do in Europe."
Lachlan Morton rockin' the EF Education First bucket hat earlier this year (Getty) Source: Getty
How to watch the 2019 Tour of California:
Tune in for some California dreamin live on SBS VICELAND or streaming via the SBS On Demand app and our site.
Monday 13 May
Stage 1
0800-1100 AEST
Tuesday 14 May
Stage 2
0600-0900 AEST
Wednesday 15 May
Stage 3
0600-0900 AEST
Thursday 16 May
Stage 4
0600-0900 AEST
Friday 17 May
Stage 5
0600-0900 AEST
Saturday 18 May
Stage 6
0600-0900 AEST
Sunday 19 May
Stage 7
0500-0700 AEST
