José Bento Azevedo Carvalho (born 19 September 1973) is a Portuguese retired road racing cyclist, and most recently, general manager of UCI WorldTeam . During his racing career, Azevedo rode for between 2001 and 2003 and for between 2004 and 2006. Career Born in Vila do Conde, Azevedo's principal career successes were fifth overall at the 2001 Giro d'Italia, sixth overall at the 2002 Tour de France and fifth overall at the 2004 Tour de France. He also made a second place in the Germany Tour, just behind Michael Rogers. He won the queen-stage of the German competition. Until 2005 he was a renowned domestique; his primary role was to serve as Lance Armstrong's lieutenant in mountain stages, specifically stages in the Pyrenees Mountains. Lance Armstrong described him as the best lieutenant he has ever had. Nicknamed "The Ace", he moved to US Postal (which became the now-defunct Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team) from Team ONCE (also defunct) in 2004. In 2006 Azevedo wore the #1 background during the Tour de France and he claimed the highest finish in the general classification amongst his Discovery Channel teammates. Azevedo finished 18th overall, 37 minutes and 11 seconds behind race winner Óscar Pereiro, following the disqualification of apparent winner Floyd Landis. To be able to spend more time with his family, Azevedo opted for a home team. He became the leader of the Benfica cycling team and aimed to win the Tour of Portugal. Azevedo finished his career at the end of the Tour of Portugal 2008. In 2013 he was the Directeur Sportif for Chris Horner when he won the Vuelta. Career achievements Major results 1994 6th Overall Volta ao Algarve 1995 1st Prologue Grande Prémio Jornal de Notícias 4th Overall Volta ao Algarve 8th Overall Volta a Portugal 1996 1st Time trial, National Road Championships 1st Overall Grande Prémio Internacional Costa Azul 5th Overall Volta a Portugal 1997 1st Time trial, National Road Championships 1st Stage 11 (ITT) Volta a Portugal 6th Overall Volta ao Alentejo 1998 1st Overall Troféu Joaquim Agostinho 1st Stages 3 & 5 1st Stage 5 (ITT) Volta a Portugal 4th Overall Volta ao Algarve 7th Overall Volta ao Alentejo 1999 1st Stage 4 Troféu Joaquim Agostinho 3rd Time trial, National Road Championships 4th Overall Grande Prémio Jornal de Notícias 5th Overall Volta ao Alentejo 8th Overall Volta a Portugal 9th Subida al Naranco 10th Overall