May 27, 2004 – Announced in late April, the USPS (U.S. Postal Service – a U.S. government agency) has decided not to renew their cycling teams contract which expires at the end of 2004. Having faced increased criticism over the value of the team, which has a yearly price-tag of $8 million, the agency has decided to go in another direction.

Having sponsored the team since 1996, the USPS squad has been one of the most successful ever with five straight Tour de France wins, piggy-backing on Lance Armstrong’s incredible storyline. Armstrong was surprised by the announcement, commenting, “Now is an interesting time to stop, I think the team is better than ever and we continue to compete at a top level and win tours and other big races”.

Bill Stapleton, Armstrong’s manager and owner/manager of the USPS team, is committed to the riders and their development. He is currently working with Berry Floor (the team’s secondary sponsor) to restructure the team for next year. The only question is will Lance be a part of it, and if not, where does that leave everyone?