Discovery Channel & Tailwinds Breakup

So long Discovery, postal, and the blue train! Johan Bruyneel is calling it quits too. Bruyneel is apparently leaving cycling altogether. At age 43, he has achieved quite a lot, but no cycling? We'll miss you Johan!

It isn't entirely clear to me what Tailwind is doing. Some of the press seemed to indicate that Tailwind Sports was going to fold it in, but Lance Armstrong has left the door open with some statements. Clearly, without a big sponsor like what they wanted, it can't be the same team in the near term.

This puts Slipstream, its seems for now, as the only likely 'American' team with a possible UCI slot and chance for a Tour de France appearance. With all the confirmed doping, for the moment, centered on European racers, it would be a shame not see an American based team at the Tour. Based on Slipstream's commitment to drug free cycling, they seem to be perfect for a wildcard invite.

So, now all the Discovery/Tailwind athletes are scrambling to find new teams. Amazingly, T-Mobile is staying in the game, but if Tailwinds can't sign up a sponsor with all their success, how will the other teams manage it?