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--from BBC Sport
Heras 'set for US Postal exit'
Tour of Spain winner Roberto Heras wants to leave US Postal and head a new team in next year's Tour de France, according to reports.
Heras is said to have been sounded out by the manager of the new Spanish-based Liberty Seguros outfit, Manolo Saiz.
US Postal director Johan Bruyneel told Spanish sports daily Marca that Heras had begun moves to negotiate his exit from the American team.
The 29-year-old Spaniard has a year left on his current contract.
Brunyeel said: "A few days ago his lawyer told us that he wanted to leave the team. Apparently he has received an offer of a three-year contract to lead another team.
"We aren't happy with the situation, but if Roberto wants to leave there is nothing we can do to stop him."
Heras refused to comment, telling Marca: "I can neither deny nor confirm the reports."
Bitter battle
He was at the centre of a similar row when he joined US Postal from the Kelme team at the beginning of 2001.
Following a bitter contractual battle he left the Spanish-based team after US Postal agreed to pay compensation.
Heras has been one of Lance Armstrong's most influential team-mates during the last three Tours.
He played a key role in shepherding the American through the mountains on his way to a fifth straight victory earlier this year.
Heras confirmed his status as one of the world's best climbers with a brilliant performance on his way to victory in this year's Vuelta, and some believe he is one of the few riders capable of challenging Armstrong in the Tour.
OpinionHeras is a very good GC rider and one of the best climbers in the world, as his two Vuelta wins show. However, winning the Vuelta is not the same as winning the Tour. He is capable of perhaps finishing on the podium in the Tour but ultimately his TT abilities will doom his chances of victory. I like the guy and do not begrudge his desire to be a team leader. He is not the first rider to make more money and try to make a name for himself rather than ride in the shadow of Lance. Lance will probably retire after this year though and Heras would likely have ascended to team leadership. This is US Postal's last year of sponsorship under the current agreement. If Lance retires it is very possible US Postal retires as a team. That may well have been an influence in Heras decision.
--from BBC Sport
Heras 'set for US Postal exit'
Tour of Spain winner Roberto Heras wants to leave US Postal and head a new team in next year's Tour de France, according to reports.
Heras is said to have been sounded out by the manager of the new Spanish-based Liberty Seguros outfit, Manolo Saiz.
US Postal director Johan Bruyneel told Spanish sports daily Marca that Heras had begun moves to negotiate his exit from the American team.
The 29-year-old Spaniard has a year left on his current contract.
Brunyeel said: "A few days ago his lawyer told us that he wanted to leave the team. Apparently he has received an offer of a three-year contract to lead another team.
"We aren't happy with the situation, but if Roberto wants to leave there is nothing we can do to stop him."
Heras refused to comment, telling Marca: "I can neither deny nor confirm the reports."
Bitter battle
He was at the centre of a similar row when he joined US Postal from the Kelme team at the beginning of 2001.
Following a bitter contractual battle he left the Spanish-based team after US Postal agreed to pay compensation.
Heras has been one of Lance Armstrong's most influential team-mates during the last three Tours.
He played a key role in shepherding the American through the mountains on his way to a fifth straight victory earlier this year.
Heras confirmed his status as one of the world's best climbers with a brilliant performance on his way to victory in this year's Vuelta, and some believe he is one of the few riders capable of challenging Armstrong in the Tour.
OpinionHeras is a very good GC rider and one of the best climbers in the world, as his two Vuelta wins show. However, winning the Vuelta is not the same as winning the Tour. He is capable of perhaps finishing on the podium in the Tour but ultimately his TT abilities will doom his chances of victory. I like the guy and do not begrudge his desire to be a team leader. He is not the first rider to make more money and try to make a name for himself rather than ride in the shadow of Lance. Lance will probably retire after this year though and Heras would likely have ascended to team leadership. This is US Postal's last year of sponsorship under the current agreement. If Lance retires it is very possible US Postal retires as a team. That may well have been an influence in Heras decision.
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