Vaughters confirms McCartney sought for final spot

By Mark Zalewski, North American Editor

Slipstream-Chipotle's director sportif Jonathan Vaughters confirmed with Cyclingnews that American Jason McCartney, currently riding with Discovery Channel, is the rider being courted for the final roster spot.

Vaughters sought to end rumours and speculation about who the mysterious rider was, with everyone seeming to have an idea about who it might be. "I just upped the offer today," said Vaughters on the day that McCartney won the 14th stage of the Vuelta. "But I have been talking to him since July."

McCartney made a name for himself when he soloed to victory on a hard climbing stage in the 2004 Tour de Georgia. Johan Bruyneel saw the potential and offered him a contract with Discovery Channel the next season.

Vaughters said that demand for the resourceful domestique has been high, and will likely be higher after his impressive win. "That is the type of rider we want, someone who can win like that. Danny Pate showed that in Missouri too."

Vaughters did not say if there were any other riders in the queue in case McCartney decides to take another offer, but this is the final roster spot remaining allowable by UCI rules.