[Bluenote]

Guess the title says it all.

I believe the NYTimes predicted this sort of thing in the article about Livestrong. Basically that sponsors would stand by the charity in the aftermath of Lance's doping scandal. Then, when the spotlight was gone, quietly let their commitments expire.

Whatever you think of Lance, or of Livestrong, you have to look at their fundraising approach in a cold, intellectual kind of way. They relied on the marketability of Lance's image. They turned this into commercial sucess for the 'Livestrong Brand.' Now that Lance is no longer marketable, the brand has lost a lot (though not all) of its earning power.

Livestrong has other fundraising avenues - charity rides, big dollar donors. But their failure to diversify their image and marketing has cost them dearly.

Live by the Lance, err...I mean, sword, die by the sword, I guess.

Nike cutting ties to Livestrong | www.statesman.com

 

[Bluenote]

A little more information in the split. At least Nike admits it was due to poor sales of the Livestrong Brand. Afterall "it's not about the philanthropy."

Nike drops partnership with Lance Armstrong-founded charity

And a bit more analysis on Livestrong's post Lance marketing approach. It's not a surprise that they didn't rebrand themselves, but it wasn't a good decision, either. Maybe too much emotional investment.

Nike, Livestrong Split In Latest Fallout From Lance Armstrong Doping Scandal

 

[aclinjury]

Nike has no qualms with putting children in the 3rd world to work under sweatshop condition. I doubt they even batted an eyelash when dropping Livestrong.

 

[Tomahawk]

Nike couldn't care less about charity.

The purpose of their support was to make a profit through their Livestrong line of apparel when Lance was the man. At the end of the day everything they do is about the bottom dollar, they'll drop anyone or anything like a rock in the ocean if there's a hint of negative impact.

As soon as Lance left cycling the first time around they pulled their involvement in the sport altogether too... which was a little more confusing. You'd think in America where the sport is growing they'd be the go to brand.

 

[Doctor Falsetti]

They paid lance, and dropped him, for the same reasons.

For years Livestrong's primary driver was to promote Lance. Nike realized this and paid millions to be associated with him and the foundation as they made even more millions

Now that the foundation is a real charity that no longer spends millions of funds promoting Lance Nike sees little value

 

[spookyload]

I agree with above. It was about bottom line dollars, not a philanthropical decision based on Lance's past.

 

[sir duke]

I agree with above. It was about bottom line dollars, not a philanthropical decision based on Lance's past.

Yep, they just did it. Not a whole lot of hand-wringing about it.

 

[atpjunkie]

when the brand is driven by a figure and the figure falls from popularity, so goes the brand

 

[SBard1985]

Kind of off topic, but still slightly on topic, I wonder if Trek will start manufacturing Lemond frames again after all the Lance crap.

I'll admit it, I don't necessarily hate Lance. Just believe he was trying to play the game, just like every other cyclist.

 

[Bluenote]

Kind of off topic, but still slightly on topic, I wonder if Trek will start manufacturing Lemond frames again after all the Lance crap.

I'll admit it, I don't necessarily hate Lance. Just believe he was trying to play the game, just like every other cyclist.

Why would Lemond ever go back to them?

 

[regnaD kciN]

Why would Lemond ever go back to them?

Greg posted on his website a few weeks ago that he was thinking of reviving the brand, but I think it's safe to say that Trek won't be in the picture even if he does

 

[PaxRomana]

LeMond has close ties to Time. That would be a nice joint project.

 

[Tomahawk]

Yes! I'd love to see the revival of a bike brand from another doper who was 5 times the sadistic liar Lance was.

 

[Bluenote]

Yes! I'd love to see the revival of a bike brand from another doper who was 5 times the sadistic liar Lance was.

How was he a sadistic liar?

How was he 5 times the liar Lance was?

By my count, Lance's lies cost the Times about a million, SCA many million, Betsy her reputation, Frankie his job, Emma O'Reily a big pain in the ass, sent Mike Anderson in exile to New Zealand and David Walsh wider publication of his book.

Specifically, what lies did Lemond tell and how did they hurt others?

 

[The Tedinator]

Like someone said elsewhere:

"Nike would sponsor Satan to sell a shoe."

 

[Doctor Falsetti]

Yes! I'd love to see the revival of a bike brand from another doper who was 5 times the sadistic liar Lance was.

Johan is launching a bike line?

 

[Tomahawk]

LeMond 1986 - Maybe, hopefully clean along with Hinault.
LeMond 1989 - Definitely not clean

From zero to hero in the space of a couple of months. EPO was around. Transfusions were around. Fignon was doping. Set the fastest time trial ever on the last day of the Tour - that's after 3 weeks of racing at the top of the GC. Strange none of the confirmed dopers or a Wiggins or Cancellara with modern equipment could beat it.

Yes, if you thought Lance was bitter, conniving and hypocritical - LeMond is from another planet.

 

[Fireform]

LeMond 1986 - Maybe, hopefully clean along with Hinault.
LeMond 1989 - Definitely not clean

From zero to hero in the space of a couple of months. EPO was around. Transfusions were around. Fignon was doping. Set the fastest time trial ever on the last day of the Tour - that's after 3 weeks of racing at the top of the GC. Strange none of the confirmed dopers or a Wiggins or Cancellara with modern equipment could beat it.

Yes, if you thought Lance was bitter, conniving and hypocritical - LeMond is from another planet.

I hope you enjoy the red chiclet I gave you, Lance.

 

[asgelle]

Set the fastest time trial ever on the last day of the Tour - that's after 3 weeks of racing at the top of the GC.

So are you deliberately deceptive or just ignorant?

 

[Tomahawk]

What, he was in second place in the GC? Happy with that?

Uh oh, negative repped. Dayum... I'm hurt dawg.