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Another Sponsor Bails Out on Tarnished Cyclist Lance Armstrong

Oct 17, 2012  •  Post A Comment

A second major blue-chip sponsor has decided it can no longer have Lance Armstrong as a spokesperson for its product., afte ra major report came out last week linking the cyclist wide-ranging doping activities and stripped him of his seven Tour de France victories.

Reuters reports that Anheuser-Busch is the latest marketer to cut ties with Armstrong. The move follows word earlier today that Nike was bailing out on its connections with Armstrong, as we reported previously.

Armstrong was originally signed in a three-year deal on Oct. 6, 2009 to be the "spokesperson and ambassador" for A-B’s Michelob ULTRA beer brand.

Armstrong was pictured on the beer’s website with this copy: "Living the ULTRA is about enjoying life to the fullest.  That’s why Michelob ULTRA has chosen seven-time Tour de France winner and cycling icon Lance Armstrong as the ULTRA spokesperson. No one embodies the ULTRA attitude and lifestyle more. Whether he’s cycling through a mountain pass, raising money for charity or relaxing with a Michelob ULTRA, Lance is always focused on living life to its fullest. Find out more about Lance and his projects at lancearmstrong.com and livestrong.org."

According to the Reuters report, “Anheuser-Busch, the brewer of Budweiser, on Wednesday said it would not renew its relationship with Lance Armstrong at the end of 2012, but will continue to support the embattled former professional cycling racer’s cancer charity,"

In another development, Armstrong stepped down as chairman of his cancer foundation Livestrong, as reported earlier.

RadioShack has also severed ties with Armstrong, USA Today reports.

TVWeek Open Mic blogger Chuck Ross blogged last week about the Armstrong situation. Please click here to read that piece.

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