Sponsors Support Armstrong Amid Latest Doping Allegations

Several key sponsors are "sticking by seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong despite the emergence of new allegations against the cycling pro," according to Suzanne Vranica of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Former cyclist Floyd Landis last week provided "more details about his use of performance-enhancing drugs and made more claims of doping" by Armstrong, but the advertisers said that the "new details have not caused them to rethink their sponsorship deals" with Armstrong. Nissan, RadioShack and A-B InBev said that they "have no plans to change their advertising plans." Nissan earlier this year "signed a two-year sponsorship agreement" with Armstrong and Team RadioShack, and Armstrong is "currently being used in ads to pitch the Leaf, Nissan's new electric car." Nissan Communications Dir David Reuter: "Our agreement with Mr. Armstrong and the Team remains unchanged." In addition to sponsoring Armstrong's cycling team, RadioShack "has created an elaborate advertising campaign that includes four television commercials featuring" Armstrong. A RadioShack spokesperson noted Landis' allegations "remain unsubstantiated," and said the company's sponsorship agreement with Armstrong "has not changed." Armstrong appears in ads for A-B InBev's Michelob Ultra, and VP/Marketing Keith Levy expressed support for Armstrong in a statement. Meanwhile, sources said that Nike, a "longtime sponsor of Mr. Armstrong, has also produced a new ad with the cyclist." Nike earlier last week announced that it "would be selling an expanded line of Mr. Armstrong's signature Livestrong gear" timed with this month's Tour de France, and a Nike spokesperson in a statement said the company's relationship with Armstrong "remains as strong as ever." 24 Hour Fitness "has had a relationship with Mr. Armstrong for about five years," and 24 Hour Fitness CMO Tony Wells said he is "continuing to monitor the situation" regarding the latest allegations. An Oakley spokesperson "declined to comment on the allegations" ( WSJ.com, 7/4 ).

Sponsors Remain With Lance Despite Allegations