Up and coming Spanish star Robert Heras (first place Tour of Spain, fifth place Tour De France) has moved from Kelme to sign with the US Postal team at the request of leader Lance Armstrong. He’s told Spanish television he’s delighted with his four year contract; “To ride alongside a double winner of the Tour and to gain the experience in a team like this is something I have always wanted and is a great privilege for me. I hope that that the minimum of four years in which I will be with the U.S. Postal team will be enjoyable ones and full of success.” With his prodigous climbing talent and all round strength he’ll be a crucial ally for Armstrong now that his previous stalwart Livingstone has moved on.

Postal have also signed the US sprinter Robbie Ventura (formerly Saturn). According to director of operations Dan Osipow, he’s primarily on the roster to strengthen their hometown showings; “We were looking for some speed in criterium racing, which we’ve lacked in the last couple of years, in American-style events.” Ventura will be a crucial part of an eight strong domestic squad, but whether he will be racing on the continent is at present unconfirmed.