Discovery Communications Inc. Monday held the worldwide unveiling of the 2005 Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, led by six-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.
The only American professional cycling team ever to win the Tour de France begins its global partnership with DCI following a nine-year sponsorship agreement with the United States Postal Service.
Team Discovery Channel will begin the 2005 professional-cycling season with Malaysia's Tour de Langkawi Jan. 28-Feb. 6 and the Doha Classic and Tour of Qatar Jan. 29-Feb. 4.
The team will also participate in all three Grand Tours -- the Tour de France, the Tour of Spain and Team Discovery Channel's first Tour of Italy.
"Today marks the beginning of a special partnership that allows Discovery to support an inspiring and dedicated group of athletes who represent the very best in sports," DCI CEO Judith A. McHale said in a prepared statement.
"Discovery looks forward to developing with Lance and the entire Team Discovery Channel the highest-quality programs about healthy living, medical breakthroughs, the science of sports and cancer survivorship and education for our worldwide audience," she added.
