Ullrich and Discovery

I can only imagine that the addition of Levi to Discovery's team means that the search for a GC contender is over. I do not understand why Discovery went with Levi though. Discovery has one of the best names in the ProTour and has an excellent chance of signing any rider they set their sites on. There is the Levi is American connection, however Discovery has stated that they are an international team. You would think the American part would work against Levi as they already have a number of American riders.

The main missed opportunity is Ullrich. Word on the street was that Ullrich was in talks with Armstrong. I guess you can say that the train has not left the station, but why bring on Levi to ride as a super domestic for Ullrich. Discovery has a whole stable of super domestics, they do not need to be adding to it. What they need is a guy with an engine big enough to win the Tour. That is a limited number of people and I don't think Levi is one of them. Basso is loyal to CSC so he will be a hard guy to pick up, not to mention that CSC is probably the only other team that can match Discovery as a team. Landis is staying with Phonak, soon to be iShares, and seems to be very happy there. Vino will feel loyal to his countries president and will not jump ship to another team. That basically leave the Jan.

Who knows maybe I am wrong and Discovery is trying to put together a dream team of cycling.

Well it seems that Levi does not think the Ullrich thing will happen. (see Leipheimer happy with Discovery Channel move)