The rain is falling hard on a January morning in New York. Two men meet at a small coffee shop and sit down.
Man 1: Mr. Armstrong, pleasure to meet you my friend.
Man 2: You must be Mr. Chopp. Lance Armstrong, how are you.. *shakes hand*
Chopp: I'm great thanks. What brings you to New York Mr. Armstrong?
Armstrong: Just a little trip with the family. I love the city.
Chopp: Who doesnt't? Now Lance, can I call you Lance *Lance nods*, I'm gonna cut to the chase. I've invited you here today to talk about something big. My associates and I are proposing to build a new ProTour cycling team in America. We want to take on the world, build a new hybrid of cycling team. New technology, new look, new everything. Are you interested?
Armstrong: Hmmmm.... Why do we need more, we already have Garmin, RadioShack and BMC, kinda. I am asked to fund teams, and bring in publicity to USA Cycling Projects every year. Why are you any different Mr. Chopp?
Chopp: We have a big plan set out here. Since '92, other than yourself, look at the winners. Indurain, Riis, Landis *Armstrong laughs quietly, and shakes his head* sorry, Pereiro, not Landis, Contador, Sastre. All European. We want to change that, we want the next American superstar. The next North American TdF champion.
Armstrong: And who do you have in mind for that, Mr. Chopp?
Chopp: That's the thing, anyone. We feel with the program we are imagining, we can harness the potential of any young star who has the right mental outlook. Andrew Talansky, Taylor Phinney, take your pick.
Armstrong: I have to admit Mr. Chopp, this all sounds very interesting, but how do you want me to help you, and how do you expect to pay for such a large development?
Chopp: This is where it get's very exciting Lance. We have a commitment from a very large business, you'll of heard of them. They have promised to fund the project generously for the next ten years.
Armstrong: Sounds gre- *Chopp interrupts*
Chopp: But there's one condition. We need to sign Lance Armstrong for the 2011 season.
Armstrong: What, as a rider?!? I have to get through this season first, I think the legs will be as good as gone by next year.
Chopp: Oh come on man, you're Lance Armstrong, you finished 3rd at Le Tour a season ago! 2011 is not that far away, and we really need you in on this.
*Lance thinks about it, but gets a phone call*
Armstrong: I have to take this, sorry. We will talk soon Mr. Chopp, I may well grant your wish, just wait for a call.
*Chopp nods, and as Armstrong walks away, dials a number in his own phone.*
Chopp: Yeah, he's in.
Edited by kitface on 04-10-2011 03:54
Rumors have been circling madly in the last 48 hours about a possible new team for the 2011 season. The team has been said to be a new US-based project who are eyeing off the ProTour spot to be vacated by the folding SaxoBank SunGard in 2011.
The man said to be the mastermind behind "Project Firefox", as it has been dubbed, is US businessman Leon Chopp. Mr. Chop declined to comment but has been seen meeting with people like Ryder Hesjedal, David Zabriskie and, surprisingly, Lance Armstrong in New York, where his business ChoppCo is based. Armstrong said he had talked to Mr. Chopp but was not aware of any details of the project and that their meeting was just to catch-up with the businessman, with whom he met last year in California.
It will surely be interesting to see how this project pans out, and if we wil see '"Project Firefox" in the peloton for 2011. Watch this space.
Mr. Chopp walks onto a stage to a crowd of about 50, mainly journalists and photographers. He has a microphone, and quiets the crowd as he begins the announcement
"Hello everyone, we are here to announce the big thing I'm sure you've all heard about. I want to welcome to the stage three guys we expect to shine in 2011, Matthew Goss, Jose Rujano and Lance Armstrong!"
Crowd applauds as the three walk onto the stage
Goss picks up a microphone, and starts talking:
"I'm proud to announce, that in 2011, The three of us, along with many others, will be representing Team Google ChromeTech Cycling Project in the pro peloton for 2011!"
A screen flashes behind the stage, and a graphic appears onto the screen to raptuous applause.
Spoiler
Lance Armstrong has his turn, and announce another member of the team.
"I joined this team with one wish, that this man would be a big part of the team. I am proud to announce Mr. Bob Roll as the Direceteur Sportif for 2011! We are very close friends, and I cannot wait to see how Bob manages the team!"
More applause.
"Unfortunantely, he can't join us as his flight was delayed and he is stuck in Houston. But I thought I'd show a photo of him, that may be a little outdated, but still expresses what a great guy he is."
Spoiler
Mr. Chopp takes over the stage once again, and finishes up the press conference.
"Now, next December we will have the final team presentation, and present the team, shirt, bikes and sponsors. Until then, let's enjoy some great cycling, and wish Lance, Jose, Matt and the rest of the gang good luck in 2010!"
The crowd applauds and takes many photos of the four men on stage.
The team will be known asGoogle ChromeTech Pro Cyclingin 2011! The riders we have signed have cemented our spot in the 2011 ProTour, and we expect results!
Head Sponsor
Google Chrome is the new benchmark for web browser technology, and we want a new benchmark in cycling technology, so who better than them to power the team in 2011 and beyond!
This grand design was supplied by graphic designer's laidbackmarc and ANFreeman.We can't wait to see the bright colours of Google ChromeTech in the pro peloton!The jersey will be available in all Nike stores in the US and surrounding areas.
Full Roster
This team, we feel, is one of the most diverse in the entire ProTour. Our four ultimate leaders are:
Allan Davis
He will first ride the Giro, where he will aim for a stage win. He will then peak at the end of the season in Copenhagen for the World Championships.
Jose Rujano
The Climber wll peak for the Giro and Vuelta, and aim for a top-3 in both. He is an amazing climber, and can dominate on his day.
Christian Vande Velde
The first leader in our three-pronged attack at Le Tour, Vande Velde will aim for a top-10.
Chris Horner
The second leader, Horner will also aim for a top-15, but if either Christian or Lance, the third leader, is doing better, he will ride as a luxury domestique. He will also aim for the Tour of Utah overall standings.
Our supporting cast isn't half bad either:
Stage Races Lance Armstrong Tejay Van Garderen Fabio Duarte Andrew Talansky Alex Cano Ardila
Sprinters Matt Goss Ben Swift Baden Cooke Cesar Vaquera Jake Keough
Time Trial David Zabriskie Taylor Phinney Jack Bauer Svein Tuft Adam Hansen David Veilleux
The team goals are as such:
Top-10 Le Tour de France
Top-3 La Vuelta a Espana
Top-3 Giro d'Italia
Stage Win Giro d'Italia
Win Tour of Utah
Win Amgen Tour of California
Top-5 Criterium du Dauphine Libere
We feel they are all achieveable, and we just can't wait for the future!
This looks very interesting. It'll be, really, something big. 
