A quarter-century has passed since the 1999 Tour de France, marking the beginning of a new era in professional cycling, but not in the way it was intended. The ‘Tour of Renewal’ was supposed to turn a fresh page after the Festina doping scandal in 1998, but instead, it led to another period of controversy. Lance Armstrong’s seven consecutive Tour wins from 1999 to 2005 were eventually voided due to his doping confession, which shook the sport to its core. Today, the key players from Armstrong’s 1999 US Postal team have moved on in various ways. Here’s a look at their lives 25 years later.
**Lance Armstrong**
Armstrong, now banned for life from professional cycling, has rebuilt his public image through his podcast operation, “The Move,” which ranks high in the US sports podcast charts. His company, WEDU, focuses on endurance sports and hosts events like the Aspen Fifty and the Texas Hundred. Armstrong is also involved in venture capital with Next Ventures. Despite his tarnished legacy, Armstrong continues to train and operate his bike shop in Austin, Mellow Johnny’s.
**Tyler Hamilton**
Hamilton, Armstrong’s top lieutenant in 1999, now directs investor relations at Black Swift Group and runs a cycling coaching business. He has also written a revealing book, “The Secret Race,” and is a motivational speaker. Hamilton’s post-racing life has been shaped by his openness about his past doping and mental health struggles.
**Pascal Deramé**
Deramé, the sole Frenchman on the team, had a modest cycling career and has largely faded from public view. He worked with a French amateur team for over 15 years before being dismissed in 2017. Reports suggest he attempted to open a supermarket and is now living quietly near Nantes.
**George Hincapie**
Armstrong’s close ally, Hincapie remains involved in cycling through various ventures, including co-hosting “The Move” podcast and running Hincapie Sportswear. He also organizes Gran Fondo events across the USA and still rides extensively. Hincapie’s name continues to hold prominence in the cycling world.
**Jonathan Vaughters**
Vaughters, who crashed out early in the 1999 Tour, now manages the EF Education EasyPost team. Known for his anti-doping stance, Vaughters has successfully led his team for over a decade. He splits his time between Girona, Spain, and Denver, Colorado, where he indulges his passion for wine.
**Peter Meinert-Nielsen**
After a brief stint in kitchen sales, Meinert-Nielsen now works as a consultant for the DGI, promoting cycling at the grassroots level in Denmark. He also appears as a pundit on Danish cycling coverage and enjoys gravel and bikepacking rides.
**Christian Vande Velde**
Vande Velde, a young pro in 1999, has become a respected cycling analyst for NBC and recently launched a training app called The Breakaway. He has also worked with Peloton as a celebrity coach and continues to ride with Hincapie in South Carolina.
**Kevin Livingston**
Livingston, a close friend of Armstrong, runs Pedal Hard, a coaching company, out of Armstrong’s bike shop. Despite maintaining a low profile, Livingston remains active in the cycling community through coaching and race organization.
**Frankie Andreu**
Andreu, a key whistleblower in the Armstrong scandal, has pursued a career in sports commentary and team management. Despite facing obstacles due to his feud with Armstrong, Andreu has established himself as a notable figure in cycling media.
The team’s manager, Johan Bruyneel, also remains a controversial figure, continuing to influence the cycling world despite his own fall from grace.
