http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503 Always select Genuine Rant™ Brand. Everything else is just words. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:27:08 -0400 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47274 Rant Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:56:22 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47274 Jeff. Thanks for all the links. I have to say, I'm also pleasantly surprised to see the news of a settlement. From what I've seen and heard in following this saga, there was blame to go around on both sides. It's definitely a good move by LeMond to settle. He's got the rights to the bike brand again, and if he wants to try and resurrect the brand, he's free to do so. I suspect he won't fare much better than the last time he was an independent brand, but one never knows. Given his rock-star status in other places, he might make a good showing in the international market, even if he doesn't do well here. For Trek, it keeps whatever dirty laundry exists from being aired. And it keeps a whole lot of ugliness that could tar and feather their brands from being brought out in public. And, in the settlement, there's some money to support what sounds like a good cause. Now, I wonder what that one other thing that LeMond can't speak publicly about happens to be. Perhaps it's not a "thing," but a person? I guess we'll see as time goes by.
Thanks for all the links. I have to say, I’m also pleasantly surprised to see the news of a settlement. From what I’ve seen and heard in following this saga, there was blame to go around on both sides. It’s definitely a good move by LeMond to settle. He’s got the rights to the bike brand again, and if he wants to try and resurrect the brand, he’s free to do so.

I suspect he won’t fare much better than the last time he was an independent brand, but one never knows. Given his rock-star status in other places, he might make a good showing in the international market, even if he doesn’t do well here.

For Trek, it keeps whatever dirty laundry exists from being aired. And it keeps a whole lot of ugliness that could tar and feather their brands from being brought out in public.

And, in the settlement, there’s some money to support what sounds like a good cause. Now, I wonder what that one other thing that LeMond can’t speak publicly about happens to be. Perhaps it’s not a “thing,” but a person? I guess we’ll see as time goes by.]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47273 Jeff Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:10:25 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47273 I’m pleasantly surprised Trek and LeMond settled, and especially surprised they settled anytime prior to just moments before walking into the courtroom for the scheduled trial in March. I have to hand it to LeMond for making a seemingly good decision. It would appear he is making getting on with his life and supporting a worthy charity/cause a higher priority than the chance to vociferate against LA in court. Betsy A must be disappointed? Though I doubted it would happen, a settlement had always seemed the most logical and appropriate course. Neither side was pure in the dispute. Both sides stood to loose important points, with the emergence of a clear victor being improbable. The details of the settlement, other than there is one, Trek is contributing to a LeMond linked charity, and LeMond reclaims control of the bike brand named after him, are probably confidential. Time will tell. http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/02/news/joint-press-release-of-greg-lemond-and-trek-bicycle-corporation_103654 edit: it is reported that LeMond cannot discuss the value of the settlement and one other undisclosed/yet to be disclosed topic, however he is unrestricted with regard to speaking about doping: http://nyvelocity.com/content/features/2010/lemondtrek-settle edit #2: Bonnie Ford is reporting the value of the charitable donation from Trek to LeMond's charity is $200,000. http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/cycling/news/story?id=4877992 edit #3: LeMond's attorney, James DiBoise, invokes a "don't f&@k with LeMond" clause: "Greg would still be permitted to pursue action against anyone who he determines in the future interferes with his business relationships, and he's also free to make certain that folks who have maligned him are held accountable," said DiBoise. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2010/02/01/2010-02-01_tour_de_france_legend_greg_lemond_trek_bicycle_corporation_reach_outofcourt_sett.html That's enough for now....
I have to hand it to LeMond for making a seemingly good decision. It would appear he is making getting on with his life and supporting a worthy charity/cause a higher priority than the chance to vociferate against LA in court. Betsy A must be disappointed?

Though I doubted it would happen, a settlement had always seemed the most logical and appropriate course. Neither side was pure in the dispute. Both sides stood to loose important points, with the emergence of a clear victor being improbable. The details of the settlement, other than there is one, Trek is contributing to a LeMond linked charity, and LeMond reclaims control of the bike brand named after him, are probably confidential. Time will tell.
http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/02/news/joint-press-release-of-greg-lemond-and-trek-bicycle-corporation_103654

edit: it is reported that LeMond cannot discuss the value of the settlement and one other undisclosed/yet to be disclosed topic, however he is unrestricted with regard to speaking about doping: http://nyvelocity.com/content/features/2010/lemondtrek-settle

edit #2: Bonnie Ford is reporting the value of the charitable donation from Trek to LeMond’s charity is $200,000.
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/cycling/news/story?id=4877992

edit #3: LeMond’s attorney, James DiBoise, invokes a “don’t f&@k with LeMond” clause: “Greg would still be permitted to pursue action against anyone who he determines in the future interferes with his business relationships, and he’s also free to make certain that folks who have maligned him are held accountable,” said DiBoise.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2010/02/01/2010-02-01_tour_de_france_legend_greg_lemond_trek_bicycle_corporation_reach_outofcourt_sett.html

That’s enough for now….]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47176 Rant Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:15:35 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47176 Jean, With such a clause in Trek's contracts with sponsored athletes, it's all in the interpretation. Armstrong has never been formally accused by the anti-doping system, which may keep him on the right side of that clause. Trek may not act on such a clause unless a formal charge has been made. I'd like to know if/how they proceeded in the case of other sponsored athletes accused of doping or rumored to be doping. Trek isn't going after LeMond because he's against doping in general, their disagreement with LeMond has to do with his comments about specific athletes, and how those comments affected their joint business. Trek contends that the result of LeMond's comments about Armstrong was a loss in business for both the LeMond and Trek brands of bicycles they produce. If that's true, then LeMond would have been better off not speaking to individual cases, but rather offering more generic comments. Whose fault any loss in business occurred is a matter of debate. Based on the reports of how few bikes were sold in France, for example, it sounds like Trek didn't do a great job of promoting the LeMond product. But ... and this is an important thing to consider ... the question is whose responsibility was it to promote that brand? Does Trek promote its products outside North America? Do the official importers or distributors? Or are the various brands (LeMond, included) supposed to do their own promotion and marketing in the rest of the world? Before we draw a conclusion on what those numbers meant, we need to know who was responsible for what.
With such a clause in Trek’s contracts with sponsored athletes, it’s all in the interpretation. Armstrong has never been formally accused by the anti-doping system, which may keep him on the right side of that clause. Trek may not act on such a clause unless a formal charge has been made. I’d like to know if/how they proceeded in the case of other sponsored athletes accused of doping or rumored to be doping.

Trek isn’t going after LeMond because he’s against doping in general, their disagreement with LeMond has to do with his comments about specific athletes, and how those comments affected their joint business. Trek contends that the result of LeMond’s comments about Armstrong was a loss in business for both the LeMond and Trek brands of bicycles they produce. If that’s true, then LeMond would have been better off not speaking to individual cases, but rather offering more generic comments.

Whose fault any loss in business occurred is a matter of debate. Based on the reports of how few bikes were sold in France, for example, it sounds like Trek didn’t do a great job of promoting the LeMond product. But … and this is an important thing to consider … the question is whose responsibility was it to promote that brand? Does Trek promote its products outside North America? Do the official importers or distributors? Or are the various brands (LeMond, included) supposed to do their own promotion and marketing in the rest of the world? Before we draw a conclusion on what those numbers meant, we need to know who was responsible for what.]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47174 Jean C Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:43:41 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47174 More to read on velocitynation with a partial transcript of the hearing. What is funny is Trek having a strong antidoping close in their contract with athletes. How could they go after someone like Lemond who is known to be anti-doping before Armstrong incident? Should they have cancelled their contract with Lance after the revelation of Lance's revelation with a such doctor like Ferrari? Even Virenque refused to "work" with him because it was like admitting to dope. http://velocitynation.com/content/features/2009/treklemond-watch-1111-hearing What is funny is Trek having a strong antidoping close in their contract with athletes. How could they go after someone like Lemond who is known to be anti-doping before Armstrong incident?
Should they have cancelled their contract with Lance after the revelation of Lance’s revelation with a such doctor like Ferrari? Even Virenque refused to “work” with him because it was like admitting to dope.
http://velocitynation.com/content/features/2009/treklemond-watch-1111-hearing]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47169 Rant Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:15:02 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47169 Jean, I'll have to take a look at that article. NY Velocity usually has an interesting take on controversial stories. By the way, I don't know about the law in France, but in this country there's a rule that one spouse can't be forced to testify against the other during trial. I imagine that it applies in the LeMond vs. Trek case, given that the time period LeMond's lawyers were asking about was when Kristin and Lance Armstrong were married. That being the case, it seems almost pointless to even bother. I wouldn't read too much into whether LeMond is more justified in taking legal action judging by his record of wins and losses. Armstrong is pretty savvy. He might figure that it's better to save his money and avoid the negative publicity, rather than going into court.
I’ll have to take a look at that article. NY Velocity usually has an interesting take on controversial stories.

By the way, I don’t know about the law in France, but in this country there’s a rule that one spouse can’t be forced to testify against the other during trial. I imagine that it applies in the LeMond vs. Trek case, given that the time period LeMond’s lawyers were asking about was when Kristin and Lance Armstrong were married. That being the case, it seems almost pointless to even bother.

I wouldn’t read too much into whether LeMond is more justified in taking legal action judging by his record of wins and losses. Armstrong is pretty savvy. He might figure that it’s better to save his money and avoid the negative publicity, rather than going into court.]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47165 Jean C Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:58:28 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47165 An other reading about that affair : http://nyvelocity.com/content/features/2009/treklemond-watch Even if I am not familiar of US laws, I am not surprise that ex-wife of Lance refused to respond to questions about Lance's doping allegations, but why is it needed not to answer to Dr. Ferrari presence at a diner? Lance has already said it was one of his friend, would he be anormal to share a diner with a friend? Lemond seems to be implicate in more lawsuits than Lance but he seems to win them probably because his cases are justified. http://nyvelocity.com/content/features/2009/treklemond-watch
Even if I am not familiar of US laws, I am not surprise that ex-wife of Lance refused to respond to questions about Lance’s doping allegations, but why is it needed not to answer to Dr. Ferrari presence at a diner? Lance has already said it was one of his friend, would he be anormal to share a diner with a friend?

Lemond seems to be implicate in more lawsuits than Lance but he seems to win them probably because his cases are justified.]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47163 Jeff Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:28:12 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47163 I'd personally pass on the beer with LA. (Might be surprising to some who have accused me of being a fanboy because of my opposition to the anti-doping establishment) Bob Roll is a lot of laughs though. http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47161 Rant Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:48:44 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47161 Jeff, Good points. I have to say, these days I respect LeMond's abilities as a racer, but I'm puzzled about the battles he chooses to fight and the people he chooses to fights with. I also respect Armstrong as a cyclist and for everything he does regarding cancer and advocating for better funding and more research (all the more so because my dad fell victim to pancreatic cancer). He doesn't strike me as someone I'd want to have a beer with, though. Thanks for the link, by the way. That's the most informative story I've seen so far regarding today's developments.
Good points. I have to say, these days I respect LeMond’s abilities as a racer, but I’m puzzled about the battles he chooses to fight and the people he chooses to fights with.

I also respect Armstrong as a cyclist and for everything he does regarding cancer and advocating for better funding and more research (all the more so because my dad fell victim to pancreatic cancer). He doesn’t strike me as someone I’d want to have a beer with, though.

Thanks for the link, by the way. That’s the most informative story I’ve seen so far regarding today’s developments.]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47160 Jeff Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:22:52 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47160 I am somewhat biased against LeMond. IMHO, he was an excellent racer, but seems alternately uninteresting or annoying post riding career. I would not be happy to trade my life with his. When he was riding, and post riding career, everyone seemed to work against him. That doesn’t sound like and attractive state to live in. YMMV. Armstrong was also a great racer. All credit to doing so well in racing and business after leaving his deathbed. I don’t admire much about his private life or his ego, but do have respect for the funds he raises to combat cancer. However, that has little or nothing to do with LeMond vs. Trek. It should come down to contractual obligations. That contract is likely quite complicated and one can expect any trial to be complicated as well. I don’t have the energy to attempt to gather enough material to venture an educated guess. Some observations: · LeMond seems quite litigious for someone who occasionally professes to seek living a quiet life. · LeMond did prevail in the Montana land suit. · Armstrong does not seem overly litigious, given his exposure. · It seemed superfluous to have the former Mrs. Armstrong deposed. Some would expect an alternate agenda at play? · If LeMond undercut dealers by selling promo bikes provided to him under contract, that does not seem to be in his favor. · Given past history, one could/should/might reconsider speaking with LeMond about sensitive/confidential information via telephone. It might be Memorex? In other news, Ouch will not continue as a sponsor and Floyd is leaving his current team. Seeking opportunities for races better suited to his characteristics: http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/msgs-president-surprised-by-landis-exit
Armstrong was also a great racer. All credit to doing so well in racing and business after leaving his deathbed. I don’t admire much about his private life or his ego, but do have respect for the funds he raises to combat cancer.

However, that has little or nothing to do with LeMond vs. Trek. It should come down to contractual obligations. That contract is likely quite complicated and one can expect any trial to be complicated as well. I don’t have the energy to attempt to gather enough material to venture an educated guess.

Some observations:
· LeMond seems quite litigious for someone who occasionally professes to seek living a quiet life.
· LeMond did prevail in the Montana land suit.
· Armstrong does not seem overly litigious, given his exposure.
· It seemed superfluous to have the former Mrs. Armstrong deposed. Some would expect an alternate agenda at play?
· If LeMond undercut dealers by selling promo bikes provided to him under contract, that does not seem to be in his favor.
· Given past history, one could/should/might reconsider speaking with LeMond about sensitive/confidential information via telephone. It might be Memorex?

In other news, Ouch will not continue as a sponsor and Floyd is leaving his current team. Seeking opportunities for races better suited to his characteristics: http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/msgs-president-surprised-by-landis-exit]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47159 Rant Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:07:38 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=2503#comment-47159 RW, There may be a pattern, but far be it from me to suggest what that pattern is. ;-) Tom, Actually, you're right. It is all about the contract, whatever that contract between Trek and LeMond might be. Everything else is superfluous, or a distraction, or ...
There may be a pattern, but far be it from me to suggest what that pattern is.

Tom,

Actually, you’re right. It is all about the contract, whatever that contract between Trek and LeMond might be. Everything else is superfluous, or a distraction, or …]]>