George Hincapie (Team Columbia-Highroad) on the start line. (Image credit: Isabelle Duchesne)
Lance Armstrong has neither confirmed nor denied speculation that countryman George Hincapie will join him at the RadioShack squad next season. Hincapie was an integral part of Armstrong's seven Tour de France wins and a move to the new team would see the pair back together in 2010.
Speaking to Outside magazine online, Armstrong didn't hide the fact that Hincapie could be riding in his team next season. When asked: "Who are you bringing with you to the RadioShack team? What about George Hincapie?" The reply was an ambiguous, "He’s already committed. Has been since before we got our funding."
It's unclear whether the American was indicating Hincapie's willingness to join the squad or that he was committed to another outfit.
Armstrong was also cryptic about the possibility of Astana teammates Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Klöden coming across to ride for 'The Shack'.
Speaking in relation to his chances of beating Contador in 2010, Armstrong said, "Assuming I had guys like Levi and [Andreas] Klöden - guys like that, you can play. But with a guy like Alberto, you can play all you want and you won’t win."
Recently there was talk of Hincapie and Leipheimer possibly lining up for the BMC Racing Team in 2010, although the former wouldn't comment on the likelihood of his joining ths US-based Pro Continental outfit.
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