Paris – The Tour de France worked out far better than expected for the Discovery Channel team: Alberto Contador of Spain won the title, Levi Leipheimer of the United States finished third and Yaroslav Popovych of Ukraine came in eighth. And, once again, American rider George Hincapie was there in support for the U.S. squad.
“We came here with certain ambitions and we have exceeded all our ambitions,” Discovery Channel sporting director Johan Bruyneel said. “Last year nothing worked, and this year our goal was to get on the podium … Levi for third place and Contador for the white jersey (best young rider).”
Bruyneel knows all about success at this race, having worked with seven-time winner Lance Armstrong.
“It’s a great joy for me to have been with Lance for seven years,” Bruyneel said. “Last year we had a different year, but this time we’re back and I’m very proud.”
Bruyneel and Hincapie reeled off their eighth Tour victory – Bruyneel as sporting director and Hincapie as a key support rider.
Discovery also banked nearly three times more money than any other team. The team made more than $987,000. Evans’ Predictor-Lotto team earned more than $320,000.
