U.S. Postal teams’ American climber Kevin Livingston will be riding for the meat free might of the Linda McCartney team in 2001. A key lynchpin in Lance’s two tour victories Livingstone is looking to step out from the shadows of the Texan.

“I wanted to see what I could do if I had a chance to ride for myself,” Livingston stated in his press release. At 27 he has to make his move now if he doesn’t want to join the list of ‘those who also served’. “Since my role on Postal was so clearly defined as a support role, I haven’t won a lot of UCI points, and I couldn’t even tell you what my world rank is.” Livingston said “Sure, I know we might not be able to ride in the Tour next year, but we still could do the Tour of Italy and the Tour of Spain. We have a group of young, hungry guys who are real motivated. And a little motivation can go a long way.”

U.S. Postal director Johan Bruyneel admits. “It’s a big loss. We’ve hired two good climbers, Spain’s Jose-Luis Rubiera and Colombia’s Victor-Hugo Pena. But even with two guys it won’t be easy to replace Kevin.”

Linda McCartney’s Team Director Sean Yates, has also recruited ONCE’s Inigo Cuesta and Neil Stephens who will join the squad as assistant director, creating the basis for a strong squad hoping to make a real impact in 2001 and gain a wildcard entry to the 2002 Tour.