I think it's clear that Lance is planting seeds of riding next year to help line up sponsors for his own team. Team LiveSTRONG with Nike as the primary sponsor seems likely, and Brunyeel on as TD. Lance will co-TD with Brunyeel the following year when he retires. He'll want Contador or some other big up and comer as the "heir appearant" on the team next year, as lance does one more tour.