Discovery names Tour nine

Discovery names Tour nine (from VeloNew.com 6/16/06)

The Discovery Channel squad also announced its roster for the Tour de France on Friday.

Director Johan Bruyneel said he has confidence in the team to be headed by George Hincapie.

"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," said 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 Élysées is difficult and many things can happen. Our guys are ready for the challenge."

Discovery Channel for the Tour de France

· George Hincapie

· Yaroslav Popovych

· Paolo Savoldelli

· Jose Azevedo

· Egoi Martinez

· Pavel Padrnos

· Viatcheslav Ekimov

· Benjamin Noval

· Jose Luis Rubiera

Reserves

· Vladimir Gusev

· Michael Barry