Discovery Channel
Discovery ChannelTeam Manager: Johann Bruyneel1. José Azevedo (P)2. Viatceslav Ekimov (Rus)3. George Hincapie (USA)4. Egoi Martinez (Sp)5. Benjamin Noval Gonzalez (Sp)6. Pavel Padrnos (Cz)7. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr)8. Rubiera José Luis (Sp)9. Paolo Savoldelli (I) Sponsor: Owner/operator of multiple television channels2006 budget: $10 millionYear current sponsor started: 2005Former title sponsors: U.S. Postal Service (1996-2004), Montgomery-Bell (1995), Subaru-Montgomery (1991-94)Past Tours (as Discovery and Postal): 10th participation, 25 stage wins, 7 overall wins (Armstrong, 1999-2005), 1
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Discovery Channel
Team Manager: Johann Bruyneel1. José Azevedo (P)
2. Viatceslav Ekimov (Rus)
3. George Hincapie (USA)
4. Egoi Martinez (Sp)
5. Benjamin Noval Gonzalez (Sp)
6. Pavel Padrnos (Cz)
7. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr)
8. Rubiera José Luis (Sp)
9. Paolo Savoldelli (I)
Sponsor: Owner/operator of multiple television channels2006 budget: $10 millionYear current sponsor started: 2005Former title sponsors: U.S. Postal Service (1996-2004), Montgomery-Bell (1995), Subaru-Montgomery (1991-94)Past Tours (as Discovery and Postal): 10th participation, 25 stage wins, 7 overall wins (Armstrong, 1999-2005), 1 white jersey (Popovych, 2005)Trivia: Although critics are looking to Yaroslav Popovych and George Hincapie, who came in 12th and 14th respectively last year, don’t rule out José Azevedo, who finished fifth in 2004. In the flat stages, Max Van Heeswijk could add to his career-win tally of 65 and the team’s 25 stage-win mark.
EquipmentBike: TrekComponents: ShimanoWheels: BontragerClothing: Nike
BERNARD HINAULT’S CALL
“How will they manage post-Armstrong? That’s the question everyone is asking. The only certainty is that with men like Paolo Savoldelli and Yaroslav Popovych, the team continues to command respect. And then there’s George Hincapie, whose true potential no one knows. In the end, he might be the one who comes up with a surprise.”