jmechy

I haven't been keeping up too much with the announcements, but I believe Slipstream still has one spot unfilled on its roster. Reading the recap of the US road championship, it appears that Slipstream was defending Leipheimer's lead. Leipheimer hasn't revealed which team he is going with yet for next year, but is clearly a strong rider to have for any team looking to make a big showing and win important races. Anyone else think that Levi is going to be wearing argyle next year? If he did, that sure would be one hell of a powerful team.

JOEPIPPAS

Naaahhh.... He will end up in some "EURO" team that will not use his talents and burn what is left of his career.

djbowen1

There is no way in hell he is going to slipstream, they are done with signing new riders this year. maybe he'll ride for Astana when Bruyneel takes over

eskimo85

that would be amazing if levi went there. The would be taking over the void for american fans where disco leaves off.

CyLowe97

Yeah, with an actual lineup of AMERICAN riders!

Disco became so international in the last 6 years or so. But that's the nature of the game. OLN/Vs. force-fed them to its audience as "America's Team."

IMHO, just because they were registered out of Austin doesn't mean they were the "American Team."

Jingoism in cycling is hilarious.

djbowen1

another example: Botto when is that press from?

News / Press Releases / 2007

SLIPSTREAM SPORTS LLC ANNOUNCES TEAM SLIPSTREAM/CHIPOTLE 2008 ROSTER; CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL INCREASES SPONSORSHIP, SIGNS ON AS PRESENTING SPONSOR

Slipstream Continues Mission to Promote Ethical Sporting and Invites Fans To “Get In The Slipstream” with a Contest to Design the Official 2008 Team Jersey

August 31, 2007 - Boulder, CO - Boulder, CO – August 31, 2006 – Slipstream Sports LLC and its chief venture, the Slipstream/Chipotle Professional Cycling Team, is poised for a big year. The powerhouse, dedicated to promoting ethical sporting and developing the next generation of cycling champions, today unveiled it’s highly-anticipated 2008 team roster, announced that it has signed Chipotle Mexican Grill as a co-title sponsor, and plans for a world-wide competition to design the 2008 team jersey.

The 2008 Team Slipstream/Chipotle roster is comprised of: David Millar, Christophe Laurent, Julian Dean, David Zabriskie , Christian Vande Velde, Magnus Backstedt, Tyler Farrar, Maartijn Maaskant, Tom Danielson, Dan Martin, Chris Sutton, Trent Lowe, Ryder Hesjedal, Danny Pate, Pat McCarty, Will Frischkorn, Jason Donald, Lucas Euser, Tom Peterson, Mike Friedman, Huub Duyn, Kilian Patour, Timmy Duggan and Steven Cozza.

Slipstream Sports, in partnership with the Agency for Cycling Ethics (ACE), created the most aggressive anti-doping program in the professional sports world in 2007. All athletes on the 2008 Slipstream/Chipotle Team will voluntarily participate in this program and will be tested over 1,200 times during 2008. This is more than 20 times the number of tests that most professional cyclists are subject to annually through the sports’ governing body, Union Cycliste International.

“We are poised for an outstanding year and are excited to have grown our relationship with Chipotle,” said Doug Ellis, Slipstream Sports’ Chairman and majority owner. “This is hands-down the strongest group of riders we have ever had. We are continuing to compete at higher levels and in 2008, you will see us at bigger races – hopefully the biggest. But the goal of our team remains the same: to re-establish cycling's credibility, re-gain the trust of fans around the world, and re-kindle the hope of fair sport.”

Slipstream Sports LLC continues to seek a primary title sponsor for the team.

donrhummy

I don't see it. Slipstream said they're not trying for ProTour or any of the grand tours till 2009 and Levi's got very few years left. He's not gonna waste one out of the grand tours and ProTour.

biffstephens

There not trying for the Protour status this year...but they are looking for protour races...

As it stands I bet they see quit a few races next year....Levi would for sure add the Tour yes?

donrhummy

No. Vaughters has said publicly that he doesn't want to try for the TDF until 2009. He said he talked with the UCI and they both agreed it was better to ease into it and they didn't want to jump too quickly. They're not doing the TDF (as of now) so Levi's very unlikely to sign.

PolishPostal

Close, but wrong. Slipstream isn't going to go for a ProTour license until 2009. They are shooting for a wildcard to the 08 TDF. That is what JV has stated publicly.

biffstephens

I believe the UCI suggested applying for a Pro Tour Licenses was best to ease in to....one way to do that is to get a wide card into a Grand Tour...I personally dont think they are avoiding grand tours next year..

redal

From what I hear from someone that was in negotiations with Slipstream is that the ASO loves Vaughters so they will probably get a wildcard next year.

PolishPostal

Yeah... like you have connections.

Go BMC!

wfrogge

1. Slipstream is not an "all American" team... No different than Disco was
2. Slipstream is shooting for a wildcard into the TDF.
3. Those gay colors MUST go!

I saw Elvis

Have to say I thought Slipstream would be aiming for the 08 Tour, didn't JV and Millar meet with ASO (or was it UCI) and talk it over?
I thought the pro tour thing was for 09. But IMHO Slipstream will get plenty of invites for pro tour events in 08 which should work out well for them and the event organisers.

botto 

Saturday's CN 1st edition. https://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?...ep07/sep01news

my gift to you. click.

this post should clear things up.

roadwarrior

C'mon, this is Bikeforums...don't let facts and details get in the way.

dmotoguy