Already last year there were some impressive performances by specialist climbers Roberto Heras and Jose Luis Rubiera, who will do their utmost to keep Armstrong company in the mountains.
Heras looks properly fit this year, unlike during 2001 when the big money signing struggled to justify his fee.
George Hincapie remains the only figure likely to steal the headlines from Armstrong, as the team's leading sprinter.
 Hincapie: New Yorker will aim for stage win
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But he will only receive the support that is left over after the team has ensured that Armstrong is having it as easy as possible on the flat stages. The Texan has looked in excellent form during his preparations and few would bet against him.
US Postal continue to carry the sole American hopes in the games, following the high standard set by Seven Eleven and later Motorola.
The team's build-up has been plagued by a doping investigation this season by French authorities.
But this has been halted due to a lack of evidence.
Wednesday, 26 June, 2002, 18:45 GMT 19:45 UK 
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