A list of the sponsors who have dropped American cyclist Lance Armstrong after he lost his seven Tour de France titles and received a lifetime ban for doping from cycling's governing body, the International Cycling Union (UCI), today.
Anheuser-Busch - The brewer said it would end its relationship with Armstrong when his contract expired at the end of 2012, though it would continue to back his foundation and its athletic events.
Nike - The US sportswear giant dropped the disgraced cyclist over the doping scandal last week.
Oakley - Sunglasses maker Oakley dropped Armstrong on Monday following the UCI decision.
Others - Bike sponsor Trek Bicycles and the energy drink maker FRS are also ending their relationships with the cyclist. Helmet sponsor Giro and Honey Stinger, a maker of foods and gels for athletes, have distanced themselves from Armstrong. Technology retailer Radioshack has also said it has no current obligations with Armstrong while health club franchise 24HR Fitness has also dropped Armstrong.
- Lance Armstrong stepped down last week as chairman of the Livestrong cancer support charity he founded in 1997, not long after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. The organisation launched the Livestrong brand in 2003 as it widened its cancer patient-support services.
- On October 19th, Dutch bank Rabobank pulled out of professional cycling. The bank is the biggest backer of the high profile Dutch Rabobank team, with total sponsorship worth €15 million a year.
The International Olympic Committee is reviewing Armstrong's case and now will likely strip him of the bronze medal he won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
SCA Promotions, an insurance company based in Dallas, will probably start the process of trying to recoup the bonus money it awarded Armstrong for winning Tour after Tour. Armstrong sued the company in 2005 to force it to pay him the bonus he was owed for winning the 2004 Tour. The company had withheld that bonus because of accusations in the book, L.A. Confidentiel, published only in French, which said Armstrong had doped and cheated to win.
The two parties reached a settlement, with the insurance company paying Armstrong $7.5 million.
Reuters/The New York Times