As of 2005, the US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team – the only US team to have won the Tour de France - will be renamed the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team.
The three-year deal paves the way for Armstrong to challenge again for the Tour de France in 2005 – and possibly 2006 too.
Under the terms of the agreement – the financial terms of which were not revealed - Armstrong will serve as an on-air personality across Discovery's networks in the US and around the world.
The Discovery Channel will be prominently featured on the team's complete uniform and on team-related communication and promotional materials. In addition, during the remainder of the 2004 cycling season, Discovery will sponsor the team with the placement of the Discovery Channel logo on the team's jerseys.
Armstrong will attempt to win his sixth consecutive Tour de France next month.
Said Judith A. McHale, president and chief executive officer, Discovery Communications: “This global partnership will bring Lance and the team to many of Discovery's programming and off-air activities in the US, Europe and across the globe."
Meanwhile, Armstrong is suing the authors and publishers of a book which allege he took performance enhancing drugs.
Armstrong denies the allegation made in the book LA Confidential: The Secrets of Lance Armstrong
The Discovery Channel has signed a new multi-million dollar title sponsorship deal with the team of five-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.
