Carmichael goes way back to the days when he rode in the Red Zinger/Coors Classics and he ought to know his stuff. Armstrong was introduced to him by his mother who sought Carmichael out as a trainer while Armstrong was still doing triathlons. He was reportedly a little dismissive of the idea of turning a triathlon competitor into a pure cyclist at first until realizing the potential in this one. Whatever Carmichael realized or didn't about Michele Ferrari's association with US Postal it should be a beneficial experience to anyone gleaning knowledge from him. He's been recognized as a leader in the field for some time.