"Because we are America top team, we approach the Tour DuPont unlike any other race", said Motorola team director Jim Ochowicz. For Lance, he feels great pride in coming back to defend his title in America premier race. Defending the team and individual titles from last year is one of our team goals in 1996.
Armstrong, who defeated Russian Viatcheslav Ekimov by two minutes in last year 12-day race, will likely face a tougher field this year because the Tour DuPont has elevated its ranking to the highest level by the international sanctioning body.
Also announced, were the initial five squads in the 18 team field, including America top based domestic team last year, Saturn, to be led by U.S. professional champion Norman Alvis and newly acquired Canadian star Steve Bauer, formerly of Motorola.
Two of last year Tour de France teams, No. 11 Festina of Andorra, and No. 18 Ceramiche-Refin of Italy, have signed, along with Belgium Vlaanderen 2002-Eddy Merckx.
Festina initial roster includes Australian Stephen Hodge, the team captain; and strongman, Pascal Herve of France.
Ceramiche-Refin strong roster includes Uzbekistan Djamolidine Abdujaparov, last year Tour DuPont sprint jersey winner; Italian Stephan Colage, the winner of the prestigious Tirreno-Adriatico stage race in 1995; and Belgium sprinter Jo Planckaert, a stage winner in last autumn Kent Tour of China; and Felice Puttini, the Swiss national champion and 10th at last year Worlds.
Vlaanderen-2002 is to feature 1991 Tour of Switzerland winner Luc Roosen and Johan Verstrepen.
According to the race executive director Michael Plant, more teams will be announced in February. He is currently negotiating with more than 10 Tour de France entrants from last year.
"Because of this year improved ranking, there is no doubt this will be the Tour DuPont best field ", he said. "Each year, we have seen a slight increase in depth. This year may prove to be the biggest leap forward, which should be exciting for all involved."
"Because of the upgrade, the field will improve", says Plant, because National teams with less experienced riders, will not be included.
The race is scheduled for May 1-12, 1996.
The upgrade means more valuable points counted toward team and individual world rankings and greater prestige for the Tour DuPont, which enters its eighth year.
The Tour DuPont scored the highest grades for organization of any international stage race last year by UCI officials, according to Michael Plant, the race executive director.
"To be recognized in the same class as some of the world top races organizationally, such as the Tour De France, plus ranking with great races like the Tour of Switzerland and Paris-Nice, is a great accomplishment for such a young race", said Plant. It proves, hard work can pay off.
The international calendar for cycling has gone through various changes. The biggest change being the elimination of the designation of professionals and amateurs. Modifications include a calendar for Elite Trade teams; Mixed Trade teams; Under 23 Trade or National teams.
As a 2.1-ranked race, the Tour DuPont can only include Elite Trade and/or Mixed Trade teams. National teams will not be permitted as in previous Tours DuPont.
"As an event, the categorization means it is knocking on the door of the top Tours of the world (France, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland)", said Jim Ochowicz, general manager of team Motorola. "Any athlete or team director who has been to the Tour DuPont knows the ranking is warranted. It was just a matter of time to build tradition."
* Top 50 finishing places receive points * 110, 75, 60, 50, 35 points for top 5 overall * Top 3 stage places earn 20, 15, 10 points * Bearer of leader jersey - 10 points per day
* Top 20 finishing places receive points * 90, 45, 35, 25, 22 points for top 5 overall * Top 2 stage places earn 15, 10 points * Bearer of leader jersey - 10 points per day