AP has reported that four top U.S. cyclists—all former teammates of Lance Armstrong—removed their names from consideration for spots on the Olympic team before its announcement Friday. Leipheimer, Hincapie, Vande Velde and Zabriskie asked to be taken out of the running for places on the road-cycling team for the Summer Games, USA Cycling announced in a brief statement Saturday.
“USA Cycling will not speculate on the reasoning behind their requests and will not have further comment,” the statement said. “Any questions related to their decision should be directed to the individual athletes.”
The national governing body for cycling announced Friday the five riders who will compete in London: Taylor Phinney, Tejay van Garderen, Chris Horner, Timmy Duggan and Tyler Farrar.
Leipheimer is now third overall at the Tour of Switzerland, which concludes Sunday, and wasn’t available for comment. Hincapie is preparing for the Tour de France and wasn’t available. An official for Garmin-Barracuda—Vande Velde and Zabriskie’s professional team—didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Leipheimer told VeloNews earlier this year that he wasn’t counting on riding at the Olympics.
Hincapie recently announced his intention to retire after the season. The five-time Olympian is scheduled to ride in the Tour de France next month for the BMC Racing Team and will likely ride the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in August before finishing his decorated career.
Hincapie said earlier this year that he would ride in the Olympics if asked. “They’re probably going to want me on the team. I’m not saying I should be, but I want to go if I deserve a spot,” Hincapie said. “We’ll see. It’s not something I’m thinking about every day, but I’d love to go to a sixth Olympics.”
Some riders have been forced to choose between riding in the Olympics or the Tour.
Phinney, a former track-cycling star, was selected to compete in the Olympic time trial and road race. He’ll be joined on the road by newly crowned national champion Duggan, up-and-coming rider van Garderen, the veteran Horner and sprint specialist Farrar.
“We have a strong team going to London with a solid combination of experience, leadership and young talented athletes who are all capable of standout performances,” Miller said in a statement announcing the team. “Each member of the team is deserving, we’re proud to welcome them as a part of Team USA and look forward to a promising Olympic Games.”
