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Lance isn't in it for the money....

by goblinf (U13216310) 06 October 2008
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Various posts have questioned whether Lance has run out of cash and needs to boost his earnings by jumping back on his bike... At the same time it's reported he's not taking salary or bonuses for his comeback. And he is of course wholly dedicated to raising awareness/funds for cancer care.

Looks like he's killing more than 2 birds with 1 stone - a 'meaningful passive investment' in SRAM (tech for bikes) might bring, regardless of the success of his comeback
(a) longterm profit,
(b) influence with Astana's (minor?) sponsor,
(c) appearances fees
(d) lower cost price for SRAM for his bikestore or
(e) a place in the SRAM advocacy fund heirarchy
(f) all or none of the above?

www.sram.com/en/newsandevent...

No idea how he'll perform on the roads but he's a mean profit-hound!

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posted Oct 7, 2008

I'm wondering how many other 'meaningful passive' investments he's made in Astana's sponsors.

Pro cycling's always been about the money; M. Contador is at the other end of his career and will have less financial clout. I suspect next season's tug o' war for leadership role will be played out in boardrooms before the season even begins, not Etape hotel rooms.

lol re birds. sigh those olsen twins get everywhere....

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comment by fozz999 (U7509376)

posted Oct 13, 2008

Gobinf,
Lance Armstrong in his career has battled back from testicular cancer, won the tour de france 7 times, been an inspiration to 1,000s of people with cancer and other potentially life-threatening illnesses, and now after three years away from the sport wants to go for it again!
In all honesty, the focus of media speculation shouldn't be whether he's doing it for cash, publicity or whatever, maybe it should be more on whether he can win it and increase his now legendary status?
By the way, when you get to the top of your journalistic profession and take media sportwriter of the year awards 7 years on the trot, let me know........and of course you're not in it for the money are you, just to get the news to the people!

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posted Oct 13, 2008

I think that professional cycling is about how much the human body can endure...on drugs (while pretending that one is clean). The more one can endure, the more one can get paid.

It's interesting that Lance's glory years were fairly clean years for the sport. He left and all of his significant competitors got done for drugs. If he returns, will cycling be clean again? Hopefully, road bike sales will rise again accordingly and everyone will be happy.....ignorant bliss....

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posted Oct 14, 2008

It says "Lance Armstrong may not ride the race in 2008". I wonder why?!

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posted Oct 14, 2008

Looks like he may not make the tour Guv.

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posted Oct 14, 2008

Come on Lance, the majority of France wants to see you!
Ignore the fairy-tails of the press ( did not your President do similar re: the war in Iraq )so come out fighting!
Us in France will cheer you to the end, win or loose as long as long as you put in your best effort!
Looking forward to hosting you in 2009.

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posted Oct 15, 2008

This arrogant SOB is already announcing his pull-out of the Tour, I suspect he realises he is not going to be given a free pass to this show.

Using every excuse he can think of - "it's them, they don't answer my calls", blah blah - he has finally accepted he will not be the favourite, even on his own team (Astana).

This guy can't stand to lose, and lose he would. Contador will be given the green light for the tour, and then will be expected to stand down in favour of Armstrong in the Giro.

What a poser!

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comment by omgidbi (U8078647)

posted Oct 15, 2008

ok tigger - what's his next move in your book?

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posted Oct 15, 2008

You only have to take a peek at his personal life - dating girls young enough to be his daughters, getting himself on any celeb page, etc. - to recognise the classic male 'limp dick' syndrome. I know, we all get it! winkeye

He was feted whilst on the tour, whence his celbratory status, and he is missing it. Like Madonna and her many marriages, he thinks he should have another go - in his case, racing.

In announcing his return to racing he expected wide adulation like any conquering hero, what he got instead, was the old questions coming back. Did he or didn't he? Not what he was hoping for, I suspect.

Anyway, he did get much of what he wanted by his announcement, increased publicity for himself. Lots of girls again now - wannabe celebs love to be around celebs.

End of the day? My bet is that he will discover new reasons - blame everyone else - not to return to racing at all. As the wise man said, 'We shall see'.

Bottom line: There are much more important issues in racing than Armstrong, who only serves as a self promoting distraction.

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posted Oct 15, 2008

With or without, the sport is and has been in a sorry state.

It's been a breath of fresh air what the British cyclist have done and doing it in the Olympics, at least the Olympics makes a game attempt to tackle the drug problem.

Great Britain cyclists have done much for the sport.

It's always been that way. The only real bike is a 3 speed.

GB should have a team in the tour and just ride 501 reynolds tubing steel framed bikes.

Except for a few, many champs in pro cyclists have been as questionable as can be.

RIDE A WHEEL ON SHEFFIELD STEEL!

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