MARTIGNY, SWITZERLAND – Lance Armstrong made a very important announcement (via his Twitter feed Tuesday) announcing a very cool announcement to come:
Making a very cool announcement on Thursday re: a new American partner for our team in 2010 (and beyond). Stay tuned!
10:34 AM Jul 21st from UberTwitter
Yes, this is yet another post about bike racing and The Tour de France. There’s no use trying to hide it (though I did try with my previous moon landing/Ventoux misdirection post). You’re just too smart. I just think this news is too big to ignore, not just for the sport but for the pop culture and economic implications. The “new American partner” announcement later today will certainly not only be good for whichever partner chooses to participate, but it could also be a leading indicator of an overall comeback for our economy as a whole. Lance could very well pedal us back into contention as a market force.
Why a new team now? What’s wrong with the current team? A brief background.
Lance Armstrong is currently riding for Team Astana. It is sponsored by the Astana group, a coalition of state-owned companies from Kazakhstan and named after its capital city Astana. Yes, the fictional character Borat is from Kazakhstan, a fact not lost on some tour fans who had fun with the team around the premiere of the film. The teams’ director is Johan Bruyneel, who also directed Discovery and US Postal. Lance won his seven Tour victories on these two teams. Kazakh rider Alexander Vinokourov, for whom the team was founded, has stated his intent to return to the team as early as July 24 when his license is reinstated following a two year ban for doping. Vino is perhaps most recognizable for sporting a helmet which appears to be one size too small, and which sits too far back on his head (almost like a giant plastic yarmulke), as so many clueless recreational cyclists might wear theirs. On July 2, he said, “If Bruyneel does not want me, it will be Bruyneel who is leaving the team.” July 21: Bruyneel apparently does not want him, and announced he will in fact be leaving the team.
Speculation has mounted as to which partner Lance is referring, hinting, even teasing. Might it be a company that has dropped in market share, seemingly retired from competition, but is looking to ride Armstrong’s wake back into prominence and good fortune?
