Cycling: Bruyneel looking beyond glories of Armstrong era

Such is the American's domination of the Tour, and so long has it now lasted, that with six days left before he quits the sport virtually all the questions that can be asked him have been asked.

Instead, interest is edging towards what will happen once the invulnerable Texan has retired and mere mortals get a look in again.

Even Armstrong's long-term manager, Belgian Johan Bruyneel, used most of the press conference he gave as a substitute for the race leader to discuss what will happen when the American's seven-year domination draws to a close.

"We will have to get used to the idea of our team [Discovery Channel] being just one more amongst a lot of Tour teams," he said.

For Bruyneel, in particular, much of life post-Lance will feel bizarre: he was the first person to believe in Armstrong's Tour chances back in 1998, has attended every race the American has taken part in since, and even went so far yesterday as to say that "Armstrong probably wouldn't have won the Tour without me". Focusing briefly on the last six days of his working relationship with Armstrong, Bruyneel recognised that the Texan will have to keep a close eye on his rivals on today's two tough Pyrenean climbs and stay close to the front on Thursday's short, sharp final ascent in the Massif Central. He is then expected to let fly in the final time trial on Saturday.

Bruyneel's track record with Armstrong means his predictions for next year's potential Tour winners were also paid much attention, in particular when he praised Ivan Basso, who issecond overall.

"He and [Jan] Ullrich are the most likely candidates for victory," Bruyneel said.

Bruyneel will have to look elsewhere for Armstrong replacements, however - Basso announced yesterday that he has re-signed with current squad CSC until 2008 and Ullrich has a life-long contract with T-Mobile. To judge by Armstrong's current domination, though, the Belgian's chances of getting at least one more Tour win on his CV before the week is out look very good indeed.