Official Lance Armstrong Thread **READ POST #1 BEFORE POSTING**

[thehog]

While I don't doubt the very strong possibility that the Armstrong PR machine had some involvement in the Strickland article, I still can't get my head around the up-side for Rodale and Bicycling.

Strange thing for me is the article comes out suddenly followed by an exclusive "Lance" interview about his advocacy and nothing about the drugs.

Any other magazine would have said "no chance" - "tell us about the drugs".

 

[lean mean &green]

Strange thing for me is the article comes out suddenly followed by an exclusive "Lance" interview about his advocacy and nothing about the drugs.

Any other magazine would have said "no chance" - "tell us about the drugs".

to be fair he can't talk about the drugs if he is involved in an ongoing investigation and any magazine would have to accept that.

don't get me wrong tho, i think there's at least some cooperation between LA's PR people and Strickland/Bicycling on this. if i had to guess i'd say it's a form of damage control.

 

[Race Radio]

While I don't doubt the very strong possibility that the Armstrong PR machine had some involvement in the Strickland article, I still can't get my head around the up-side for Rodale and Bicycling.

Armstrong is old news. The groupies will move on to golf, or whatever sport fat, rich, white dudes are doing these days.

Trek has been babysitting Armstrong for over 10 years. They are sick of him. He no longer sells bikes and is more of a liability then an asset. Trek, Giro, or Oakley will not change their Ad spend with Rodale.

Most Advertising is bought months in advance. By the time Trek's next big spend with Rodale comes around Armstrong will be facing a wide range of legal issues and Trek will be saying "Lance who?"

 

[MacRoadie]

Armstrong is old news. The groupies will move on to golf, or whatever sport fat, rich, white dudes are doing these days.

Trek has been babysitting Armstrong for over 10 years. They are sick of him. He no longer sells bikes and is more of a liability then an asset. Trek, Giro, or Oakley will not change their Ad spend with Rodale.

Most Advertising is bought months in advance. By the time Trek's next big spend with Rodale comes around Armstrong will be facing a wide range of legal issues and Trek will be saying "Lance who?"

So, you're saying the up-side is that there is no down-side...

 

[Kennf1]

Strange thing for me is the article comes out suddenly followed by an exclusive "Lance" interview about his advocacy and nothing about the drugs.

Any other magazine would have said "no chance" - "tell us about the drugs".

And the flip side of that is Lance would never grant an interview to a magazine that had just run an article on doping. He's shut out journalists for far less. Is that a sign of cooperation, or desparation?

Isn't it about that time of the year when Outside magazine puts him on the cover (for the 20th time)?

 

[DirtyWorks]

... I believe like others on here that this article is not just the work of Strickland.

I disagree. It's not that it's impossible. It's that Rodale and Strickland have been selling the myth for so long they don't need the help. This has been their editorial bias since they discovered the myth would sell stuff. Rodale assisted in what is certainly the largest case of fraud since Madhoff because they were one of the very few that made some money on it too.

I believe they are soft-pedaling the doping because this way there's a chance they can keep making money on the myth. They've got other publications where they can sell Livewrong, so they are trying to keep it going at all costs. Money trumps morals at Rodale.

As for the comments themselves, they are very entertaining bordering on crazy. The Race Radio denial screed was especially crazy.

 

[Race Radio]

So, you're saying the up-side is that there is no down-side...

Short term it is a push, long term it helps their street cred.....something bicycling has never had. In a year the former groupies will be so inflamed at the Armstrong you will not be able to find a trace of him in the mag. He will be toxic.

 

[Race Radio]

And the flip side of that is Lance would never grant an interview to a magazine that had just run an article on doping. He's shut out journalists for far less. Is that a sign of cooperation, or desparation?

Isn't it about that time of the year when Outside magazine puts him on the cover (for the 20th time)?

Armstrong was aware that Bill was working on something. Bill and Joe Lindsey were in Austin for the Handmade bike show and Armstrong invited them to the Livestrong HQ for a propaganda show. It was nothing more then an effort to blunt the possible story and try spin the "Did a lot of good" angle. Who knows if it worked and if the story would have been different.

I would assume that Bill, like many writers and editors before him, has since been the recipent of the "Lance Freak OutTM" call. Basically Wonderboy screaming his head off for 15-20 minutes. Dude needs to get back on the Ritalin.

 

[BroDeal]

It looks to me like they are trying to salvage his reputation so they can continue to make money from him in the future. They want to admit the dope use, since refusing to acknowledge it becomes less tenable every year, but keep the rest of the myth intact. I fully expect that if Armstrong does tris then Men's Health will do their usual slavish article that ultimtely serves to encourage middle aged yuppies that they have still got it.

 

[D-Queued]

Armstrong was aware that Bill was working on something. Bill and Joe Lindsey were in Austin for the Handmade bike show and Armstrong invited them to the Livestrong HQ for a propaganda show. It was nothing more then an effort to blunt the possible story and try spin the "Did a lot of good" angle. Who knows if it worked and if the story would have been different.

I would assume that Bill, like many writers and editors before him, has since been the recipent of the "Lance Freak OutTM" call. Basically Wonderboy screaming his head off for 15-20 minutes. Dude needs to get back on the Ritalin.

For a story like that, on such a key figure in the sport of "Bicycling", it is so highly improbable that an advance copy was not provided to Lance that it is a ridiculous concept.

Of course he had an opportunity to discuss it before it was published.

Bill: I am really, really sorry man. I have to write a story on this. I cannot avoid the doping angle any more without looking like more of a total baboon.

Lance: Sure thing. I know. I am THE story in cycling. I am cycling. You have always been my favorite sycophant. Had the PR guys run a few test balloons, and think we have a good angle on the hero from the ashes thing. Cycling is dirty, and I saved cancer. Let's see if we can help some jurors with the concept. Had some ghostwriters throw something together for you. My body rub partner Matt McC says I should man up, take off my shirt, and bare my chest. Take a look. Don't you think my chest is beautiful? Could you add something in there about my breasts being natural?

Bill: You did. You saved cancer.

Lance: Even George Washington cut down a cherry tree right? Me, I went straight for the cherry every time. I'm no Honest Abe. He was ugly and I am beautiful. Let's show the world what a miracle I am. Nobody wants to kill cancer.

Dave.

 

[Stingray34]

I'm gonna start refering to the guy as 'Gunderson.'

It'll morph into 'Blunderson.'

His career will be like the doomed attack in the mountains that appears to work until it all blows apart.

Like Chiapucci on the stage to Luz Ardiden in 1990. Who came out on top that day, too?

 

[D-Queued]

...

By the way, anyone else notice Strickland in his final judgement, of the ten most damning pieces of evidence, gives Lance the verdict and a draw, even in light of everwhelming evidence to the contrary. In fact, it is hard to imagine how he ever came to the conclusion Lance doped by reading these verdicts.

I believe like others on here that this article is not just the work of Strickland.

Bill summarized the story to Lance as having a 'happy ending'.

He knew just what Lance was looking for.

Dave.

 

[Oldman]

Bill summarized the story to Lance as having a 'happy ending'.

He knew just what Lance was looking for.

Dave.

This may be just a self-fulfilling prophecy with Bill providing Lance the "happy ending". While he's down there...

 

[Topangarider]

And the flip side of that is Lance would never grant an interview to a magazine that had just run an article on doping. He's shut out journalists for far less. Is that a sign of cooperation, or desparation?

Isn't it about that time of the year when Outside magazine puts him on the cover (for the 20th time)?

A sign of the new realities for LA. He can't gets away with berating journalists like he did with Kimmage at a press conf.

This is the best he could do under the circumstances.
As for cooperation, it's not surprising that LA was given a chance to participate in some way. That's pretty standard operating procedure in a big story like this. Of course he knew BS was going to say he doped. Whats amazing is that LA used none of his space in the magazine to refute that. It's fascinating and fun to watch someone back away from a
lie that he has so boldly and arrogantly trumpeted for so long.

 

[Stingray34]

A sign of the new realities for LA. He can't gets away with berating journalists like he did with Kimmage at a press conf.

This is the best he could do under the circumstances.
As for cooperation, it's not surprising that LA was given a chance to participate in some way. That's pretty standard operating procedure in a big story like this. Of course he knew BS was going to say he doped. Whats amazing is that LA used none of his space in the magazine to refute that. It's fascinating and fun to watch someone back away from a
lie that he has so boldly and arrogantly trumpeted for so long.

Yeah, he'll rely on ozmosis: trusted hacks will circulate the hazy, non-specific idea of doping and no one including Gunderson himself will refute it. Then, as others have pointed out, when he's called on it, he can fall back on the good ol' 'old news' tactic.

Clever strategy. Damage control for the legacy. But risky. There's no other choice now.

 

[Granville57]

The worst part of all of this?
Now I have to buy a copy of Bicycling magazine.

I know a few people that will either be left speechless, or whose heads will explode. Maybe I'll buy two!

 

[TexPat]

TexPat comes clean

Ok. Here's the bombshell of the week:

I take back everything I've said about my old pal Lance Armstrong.His record is untarnished. He has done nothing but inspire the masses to do good. He leads by example.
I'm tired of the French conspiracy to slander and libel him just to take back the coveted TdF. He is the greatest human being to have ever walked the Earth. Thousands (no, millions!) of future generations will have him to thank for their superior genetic make-up.
It is all for him that my family and I live in the lap of luxury on this tiny little isle in the South Pacific. Henceforth we shall spread the message of his good deeds.
It feels so good to shed the burden of hate, and be free of legal action put forth by the army of supporters who control the comments section of every article out there.

Sincerely,
Reverend Mike of the High Church of Livestrongology akaTexPat aka Mike Anderson aka AnderSatan

 

[JMBeaushrimp]

Ok. Here's the bombshell of the week:

I take back everything I've said about my old pal Lance Armstrong.His record is untarnished. He has done nothing but inspire the masses to do good. He leads by example.
I'm tired of the French conspiracy to slander and libel him just to take back the coveted TdF. He is the greatest human being to have ever walked the Earth. Thousands (no, millions!) of future generations will have him to thank for their superior genetic make-up.
It is all for him that my family and I live in the lap of luxury on this tiny little isle in the South Pacific. Henceforth we shall spread the message of his good deeds.
It feels so good to shed the burden of hate, and be free of legal action put forth by the army of supporters who control the comments section of every article out there.

Sincerely,
Reverend Mike of the High Church of Livestrongology akaTexPat aka Mike Anderson aka AnderSatan

Yipes! I'll have to assume the rabid minions of The Great One have assaild you on your island strong-hold.

Not to worry, Mike! The Honey Badgers have rallied a strong defence and we shall be there forthwith! We're actually pulling troops out of Libya, and have gutted our 'Radiation Defence Team' in Japan, for your efforts.

Hold strong, my friend, hold strong (or rather Holdstrong)! We're coming!

And apparently we're 'nasty b*tches'...

 

[Stingray34]

Ok. Here's the bombshell of the week:

I take back everything I've said about my old pal Lance Armstrong.His record is untarnished. He has done nothing but inspire the masses to do good. He leads by example.
I'm tired of the French conspiracy to slander and libel him just to take back the coveted TdF. He is the greatest human being to have ever walked the Earth. Thousands (no, millions!) of future generations will have him to thank for their superior genetic make-up.
It is all for him that my family and I live in the lap of luxury on this tiny little isle in the South Pacific. Henceforth we shall spread the message of his good deeds.
It feels so good to shed the burden of hate, and be free of legal action put forth by the army of supporters who control the comments section of every article out there.

Sincerely,
Reverend Mike of the High Church of Livestrongology akaTexPat aka Mike Anderson aka AnderSatan

Rev Mike, I find it hard to believe Gunderson ever got your sense of humour. Did you ever joke around; was it all on his terms?

 

[D-Queued]

Rev Mike, I find it hard to believe Gunderson ever got your sense of humour. Did you ever joke around; was it all on his terms?

Here is a wish:

That the prosecution address him as aka Gunderson.

Dave.

 

[Stingray34]

Here is a wish:

That the prosecution address him as aka Gunderson.

Dave.

yep, lose your name, lose your identity. Start refering to the guy as LG and people will think ya talking about washing machines.

 

[Nederick]

Ok. Here's the bombshell of the week:

I take back everything I've said about my old pal Lance Armstrong.His record is untarnished. He has done nothing but inspire the masses to do good. He leads by example.
I'm tired of the French conspiracy to slander and libel him just to take back the coveted TdF. He is the greatest human being to have ever walked the Earth. Thousands (no, millions!) of future generations will have him to thank for their superior genetic make-up.
It is all for him that my family and I live in the lap of luxury on this tiny little isle in the South Pacific. Henceforth we shall spread the message of his good deeds.
It feels so good to shed the burden of hate, and be free of legal action put forth by the army of supporters who control the comments section of every article out there.

Sincerely,
Reverend Mike of the High Church of Livestrongology akaTexPat aka Mike Anderson aka AnderSatan

Happy April Fool's Day to you.

 

[Granville57]

Lance Armstrong: Brilliance on a bike?

I'm not entirely on board with this lady but it's one more public example of dismissing a great American legend.

Lance Armstrong: Brilliance on a bike?

She doesn't like Lance (or any of "us" apparently)

We all understand how brilliant you have to be to peddle a bicycle for a living. Just who are the other "brightest people in the country" with whom Dr. Armstrong consults? John Seffrin, the CEO of the American Cancer Society, is one, and Donald Thomas, the deputy CEO of the organization, is another. These two men pull down a combined salary of more than $1,700,000 a year for doing "charity" work. These fat cats have to be smart cookies to pull that off while pleading poverty for their cause.

 

[Granville57]

Back to our regularly scheduled program...

Bicycling magazine editor Peter Flax explains decision to print article saying Lance Armstrong doped

http://blog.oregonlive.com/playbooksandprofits/2011/03/bicycling_magazine_editor_pete.html

Strickland, who describes meeting Armstrong before his name was ever known in competitive cycling, struggled with the piece, said Peter Flax, editor-in-chief of the Emmaus, Pa., based publication.

"I've known Bill a long time," Flax said on Tuesday. "I know how he struggled to understand Lance and his legacy. To finally see his journey come to an end with him finally feeling convinced Lance doped was a moving experience for me."

People are quick to conclude our financial ties to Lance and his sponsors" influenced coverage, he said, saying that some of the magazine's biggest selling editions have had Armstrong on the cover. "I don't think that's been a driving factor.

 

[JMBeaushrimp]

I'm not entirely on board with this lady but it's one more public example of dismissing a great American legend.

Lance Armstrong: Brilliance on a bike?

She doesn't like Lance (or any of "us" apparently)

It doesn't sound like that woman likes anything short of corporate ownership of the entire planet.

Rah Rah Rah! Gimme a 'C'! Does utter sh*t like that article actually count as 'journalism'?

I love how the American 'big C' capitalists rail against government intervention, and yet have no b*tch about Goldman et al getting billions of tax-payer money.

Maybe it's a 'Lance is too big to fail' campaign, afterall...