June 16/06 9:26 am - Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team Announces Tour De France Roster

Posted by Editoress on 06/16/06
 

The Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team (DCPCT) announced today its roster of exceptional riders who will compete in the 2006 Tour de France, July 1-23. DCPCT sports director Johan Bruyneel made the announcement today and listed the nine-rider team as follows: George Hincapie, Yaroslav Popovych, Paolo Savoldelli, Jose Azevedo, Egoi Martinez, Pavel Padrnos, Viatcheslav Ekimov, Benjamin Noval, and Jose Luis Rubiera. Additionally, Vladimir Gusev and Michael Barry have been listed as reserves. The nine DCPCT riders will compete in the 93rd Tour de France made up of a prologue time trial and 20 stages that will cover a total distance of 3,600 kilometers. The 20 stages will cover nine flat stages, four medium mountain stages, five mountain stages and two individual time-trial stages.

"Although 2006 will be my first Tour de France as a director without Lance on the team, I am extremely motivated to have our team continue to be a major factor in this race," remarked Johan Bruyneel. "I had a similar feeling in 1999, when we came in as an underdog even though we had strong riders. I am confident that with the team we are bringing that we can have at least one of our riders finish in a top placing in Paris. The road to the Champs Elysees is difficult and many things can happen. Our guys are ready for the challenge."

"While Lance won't be leading the team on his bike, his presence will be felt along with the leadership of Johan Bruyneel, the finest cycling coach in the world," said Billy Campbell, President Discovery Networks, U.S. "We're extremely confident that the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team will compete at the highest level, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one of our riders on the podium on the final day in Paris. The entire Discovery family is gearing up for cycling's biggest event."

To celebrate cycling and involve sports enthusiasts and cycling fans across the country, Discovery Communications, Inc. is holding a RACE TO REPLACE event on August 12, 2006, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Registration is currently open to participants 18 and over, and net proceeds from the RACE will be donated to the Indiana University Cancer Center and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, an organization founded by Armstrong to inspire and empower the 1.3 million Americans who are diagnosed with cancer each year. During the RACE TO REPLACE, cyclists of all skill levels can test their mettle on the international speedway and have an opportunity to bike with Armstrong, as well as participate in a full day of activities, including family-friendly events, live music and much more. The winner of the RACE will have the honor of donning the DCPCT jersey and racing as a member of the Team in the U.S. Pro Championship in September in Greenville, South Carolina. Please visit www.race2replace.com for more information.
NOTE: Entry is restricted to US citizens.