RadioShack is sponsoring the new, US-based ProTour cycling team that will highlight Lance Armstrong as team leader in 2010.
A website, TeamRadioShack.com, already has been registered where fans can sign up for email updates.
The announcement at the LiveStrong Blog says Armstrong “will compete as a cyclist, runner and triathlete at events around the world, including the 2010 Tour de France.”
The creation of a new team for Armstrong has been hinted at for weeks, as problems arose on Team Astana, Armstrong's current vehicle at the Tour de France.
When Armstrong announced he was returning to pro cycling after three years in retirement, he chose to ride on Astana for no pay just to be with his former team manager Johan Bruyneel. There's been friction between Armstrong and the team's current star, Alberto Contador, and there was a period when the Kazakhstan owners would not pay the salaries of team members.
It's expected that Bruyneel will join Team RadioShack as manager. Bruyneel announced this week that he'll quit Team Astana at the end of the season, possibly due to his opposition to the return of Alexandre Vinokourov. The Kazakh cyclist has announced his intention to return to the team after serving a two-year suspension for doping.
No other cyclists have been announced for the new team. Armstrong said Nike and Trek also will be involved with the new team.
Covering all its bases on the social networking websites, Team RadioShack also had a Facebook page and a Twitter page. Armstrong's video message can be seen at LiveStrong.com.
ESPN.com first reported that Radio Shack would sponsor the new team. Cycling reporter Bonnie Ford posted a story — “Source: Lance's team lands a sponsor” — citing an industry source and noting that the domain teamradioshack.com has been registered by Armstrong's management company, Capital Sports & Entertainment.
Recent Comments