Discovery’s Invention

Armstrong may be in seventh heaven, but his success would not have been possible without his eight teammates, who have helped him roll towar...

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Armstrong may be in seventh heaven, but his success would not have been possible without his eight teammates, who have helped him roll towards success. From veteran Tour de France performer George Hincapie, who has ridden with Armstrong in his six previous Tour triumphs, to team newcomer Yaroslav Popovych – who may one day steal the Tour de France spotlight, everybody played a part in the triumph.

A look at the eight teammates of Armstrong’s

JOSE AZEVEDO (Portugal)
AGE: 31
HEIGHT: 5-8
In his second year on the team.
His strong riding on the climbs helped team-leader Armstrong to the title in 2004.
Finished fifth overall, the best of his career.

MANUEL BELTRAN (Spain)
AGE: 34
HEIGHT: 5-101/2
Climbing specialist
Joined the team halfway through 2003 and completed a full season with it in 2004.
His strong efforts during the mountain phases contributed to the win.
Sixth at the Tour of Spain in 2003, ninth in 2002 and seventh in 1999.

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GEORGE HINCAPIE (United States)
AGE: 32
HEIGHT: 6-3
Last year, became the only rider, along with Armstrong, to compete with a team in six Tour de France victories.
Played a pivotal part in the triumph, excelling on the cobblestone, time trial and mountain stages.
Won Stage 15, becoming the first teammate of Armstrong’s to win a stage of the Tour.

BENJAMIN NOVAL (Spain)
AGE: 26
HEIGHT: 6-2
Debuted for the team in 2004.
Struggled in the first week, but made his presence known in the mountains.
Placed 10th in the young rider competition.

PAVEL PADRNOS (Czech Republic)
AGE: 34
HEIGHT: 6-3
In his fourth year with the team.
Last year, rode well in the rainy first week next to Armstrong and helped the squad to victory in the team time trial.
Moved to the front in the mountain phase and finished 79th
Two-time Olympian
Started five straight Tours of Italy between 1997-2001.

YAROSLAV POPOVYCH (Ukraine Republic)
AGE: 25
HEIGHT: 5-8
Touted as an emerging star and a future squad leader.
This is his first appearance with Team Discovery.
Had established himself as a rider to watch, finishing third in the Tour of Italy in 2003 and fifth in 2004.

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JOSE LUIS RUBIERA (Spain)
AGE: 32
HEIGHT: 5-11
Had made a significant contribution in Armstrong’s 2004 victory too.
Finished ninth in the final time trial and 19th for the second consecutive year.

PAOLO SAVOLDELLI (Italy)
AGE: 32
HEIGHT: 5-11
A newcomer to Team Discovery.
Won Stage 17 – the longest of the Tour at nearly 150 miles.
Spent the past two years with the T-Mobile team but struggled with injuries and illness.