Kristin Armstrong & Thomas Liese join TEAm Lipton

Women's cycling and triathlon squad TEAm Lipton has announced two major acquisitions for 2006 in new director sportif Thomas Liese and rider Kristin Armstrong.

The 2005 US national time trial champion and 2004 US road champion, Armstrong represented the US at the 2004 Olympics; her recent palmares also includes victories in stages of the Pomona Valley Stage Race, Sea Otter, San Dimas Stage Race and overall victory in the 2005 Cascade Classic.

Thomas Liese is a former world champion, Olympian and Tour de France finisher with over 20 years of road and track racing at the sport's highest level. The TEAm will compete in USA Cycling national road and track events and Ironman and international triathlon events, capping the season with the U.S. Track National Championships in October. "I'm looking forward to bringing my experience and knowledge to this group of exemplary athletes," said Liese. "I plan to create the perfect team environment and give direction that will motivate these women to perform at their very best."