US Postal drops cycling team

ESPN.com | Postal Service ends deal with Armstrong

The Postal Service announced that it will end its sponsorship of the US Postal Service cycling team at the end of the 2004 season. Despite 5 consecutive Tour de France wins, the USPS has decided to go "in another direction."

Anita Bizzotto, chief marketing officer for the post office, said the excitement generated by five consecutive Tour de France victories "has been inspiring and exhilarating to the Postal Service, its employees, and the entire country."

Tailwind Sports, which owns and manages the team, has reportedly been in discussions to expand the role of secondary sponsor Berry Floor, and Bill Stapleton, their CEO, said they are seeking a new title sponsor:

"Further, we appreciate their continued support as we seek a new title sponsor for the best cycling team in the world. We are committed to keeping our riders and staff in place for years to come and furthering our goals of winning important events like the Tour de France," he said.

If Tailwind were unable to find a title sponsor, there's been speculation that Armstrong might not race in 2005 with a new team, especially since he's likely nearing retirement.