Sanitiser said:
Promoted cycling outside Europe
When you say he has promoted cycling outside of europe do you mean?
a) he has promoted cycling in the United States of America
or
b) he has promoted cycling outside of europe.
Because if you do truly mean the latter I would love to see some examples. What has he done to promote cycling in for instance North Africa, how often has he ridden the Tour of Qatar, did he ride the Tour of Oman last year? How about Asia? Has Lance ridden the Japan Cup? The radioshack team are going to the Tour of Mumbia, but contrary to rumours, NO, lance is not going off to ride and promote cycling in India. Lance has increased the focus on cycling in America, yes, why, because it sells Mellow Johnny tshirts, it sells yellow wristbands. You could argue that he has raised cyclings profile in Australia but i would argue that his impact was fairly minor. The likes of Phil Anderson, Mcewan, Ogrady have done plenty to raise the profile of cycling in Australia.
So no. He has not raised the profile of cycling outside europe, merely raised the profile of the Tour De France in America.
Sanitiser said:
Promoted cycling to the most important market of all; well off baby boomer men
See above. If he has promoted cycling to this key market, which frankly i feel is hogwash, maybe its because that market are the ones who can afford nice posh treks, and their MJ Tees.
Sanitiser said:
Increased cancer awareness (let's not argue about this)
Well we can argue about it, because the statement whilst it may be slightly true is far from completely true. What awareness does he actually raise about cancer? The fact that cancer exists? What else? Erm, 28 million people died from it, or are suffering from it, or something - See, even I dont know what the 28 actually represents (i think maybe its sufferers). When people see a livestrong t-shirt, or a livestrong band what do they think? Do they think "ooh cancer exists and kills people" or do they think "lance armstrong".
He hasnt increased awareness of cancer (well arguably a bit but we all knew about cancer beforehand), all he has increased is awareness of LIVESTRONG.
If you are going to start a thread, at least put up an argument that doesnt fall apart with the slightest blow of wind.