Lance Armstrong has just announced the formation of a new American Pro-Tour team for 2010 under the sponsorship of American chain Radioshack.

With the success and attention Armstrong and his cancer campaigns have enjoyed in the press so far this year it was an obvious choice for him to partner with a strong American brand.

“This has been a great season so far - the response in the countries we’ve been to has been amazing and it’s clear now that this was the right choice. Utilizing the massive media attention that the sport receives has been the perfect vehicle to help spread the LIVESTRONG message around the world,” said Lance Armstrong. “To be able to compete for an American team comprised of the world’s top cyclists, supported by the best coaches and staff - I couldn’t be happier to partner with RadioShack, a truly iconic American brand… Teaming up with RadioShack makes sense for a number of reasons. For one, it’s very appealing to me that they have a huge base of stores throughout the U.S. and Mexico. We have an incredible opportunity to leverage RadioShack’s connection to tens of millions of people to spread the LIVESTRONG message.  Also, in cycling, the technology we use on our bikes matters - it allows us to compete at the highest level. It’s important to me to partner with a brand that understands the role technology plays in people’s lives.”

The announcement by Alexander Vinokouorov that he would return to Astana once his suspension was finished as team captain, the decision was made easier.  The new “Radioshack” teams structure and rider roster cannot be announced until the end of the season, when the transfer season opens.  However it is widely expected that the team will be pretty much comprised of what is considered the “Armstrong” wing of the current Astana team.  Levi Leipheimer, Yaroslav Popovych, Andreas Kloden, Chris Horner, Haimar Zubeldia, Janez Brajkovic and Tomas Vaitkus are all riders expected to join the new team.  Of course team manager Johann Bruyneel, the man who convinced Armstrong he could win the Tour, is also expected to be the team manager along with some of the current Astana management, soigneurs etc.

One rider who will not move to Radioshack is Tour de France champion Alberto Contador.  The Spaniard has admitted he will not join the new setup and is instead looking for a new berth, provided he can get out of the remaining year on his Astana contract.  Garmin and Caisse d’Epagne are said to be very interested and a deal was apparently close to completion just before the Tour when Astana was in financial difficulties.

Not only will Armstrong race on the professional road circuit but he will also race triathlons and marathons.  During his retirement from the sport Armstrong regularly competed in marathons posting very impressive times.

RadioShack also plans to activate their 35,000 employees and almost 6,000 stores across the country to raise awareness and funding for the fight against cancer through the Lance Armstrong Foundation and LIVESTRONG. “We know that cancer research and survivor-ship is near to the hearts of many of our associates and customers, and together with Lance and his Foundation, we have the power to make a meaningful difference,” said Julian Day, RadioShack’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

The team will come under the management of Capital Sports & Entertainment, the company which managed the Discovery Channel Team among others.

Although they don’t have a full roster yet the teams schedule is beginning to be announced.  The Tour de France is top of the list and the team will contest the Tour of California which has moved to May meaning the Giro is out.

We will bring you more news as we have it.