BikeBiz

yet more unbiased journalism from Carlton . . . . class

are you indicating there might be some biased here ? if so please expand and explain your thoughts, I am sure Carlton would love to hear them especially if you have a point to nmake regarding his reporting, style and reasons

I think Lemond's statements regarding Armstrong, Landis, the UCI and the drugs problem are spot on and he's brave to say them. He has foresight and vision. Meanwhile, Trek assoicated themselves with Armstrong, US Postal, Discovery and now Astana, all brands that have brought the sport into disrepute. Greg is better off without Trek I believe. I recently bought a Lemond bike, attracted in part by Greg's outspoken opinions that I admire. But I thought long and hard before making the purchase because of the bike's links with Trek and their connections with the dubious 'clan Armstrong'. I'd have been much more comfortable buying a Lemond that was free from such tainted connections.

Let's remember that Greg has also profited from the association with Trek and he was well aware that his brand was only one of several under the Trek umbrella. He's made some serious allegations about Lance Armstrong but he's yet to show any proof of wrong-doing and Trek has shown a considerable amount of restraint in censuring his comments. Trek are painted as the oppressive 'big brother' company but other well repected manufacturers have not had a problem with their association, namely Gary Fisher and Keith Bontrager.

Oh, here we go again- 'Poor Lance', 'Poor Trek'....
I worked for Greg for 4 years and you can't be around the guy almost every day and be ignorant of the fact that Lance was slamming Greg every chance he got. You'd think that Greg would hold a grudge but when Lance was diagnosed and laying in a hospital bed with Cancer, who got on a plane and traveled cross county-in spite of the hurt-and walked into Lance's hospital room with his heart open? Greg.
Further, Greg has always been against drugs, fought for what he thought was right to save the sport and shown integrity in all the dealings that I was privy to overhear.
Noooo, I'm not related to him and therefore defending blood; I was a servant in his house and I was treated with respect......
If Greg says something, you can believe it!

The reason Trek's Lemond Bikes had problems is that many buyers gould not over come the fact that they were made by Trek. Lets face it Treks wil never be a sexy and cool bike.
Matt Mansur

Hardly a balanced "both sides of the argument" article was it ?

Why exactly would Carlton present such a view ?

Is it because Trek/Bontrager are advertisers with either BikeBiz or Cycling Plus ? (are they ???)
Perhaps Carlton felt the need to promote/protect Trek, as he has a BC Coaching qualification ?
Maybe the kid's birthdays are coming up & he needs some new bikes ?

Pure speculation of course.

I suggest, it's simpler than that.
When confronted a few years ago, with the question (on BikeBiz) "is Armstrong clean" - Carlton's reaction & response, typified those, for whom belief, without question, ie "the Armstrong Fairy Tale" is their mantra.

I believe the Carlton reply at the time, was something like "my wife's a doctor, and she says he couldn't possibly do that, after cancer".

Regardless of our beliefs, and thoughts on this matter (yes, i applaud Greg LeMond for his vocal opinion) if you are a independent journalist (freelance or otherwise) it would be far more professional to present both sides of an argument, in equal measure, and allow the public to decide.

If you wish to be judge jury and executioner, perhaps a move to Zimbabwe might be more appropriate.

Uh-oh. Maybe a gun fight in a deserted street or pistols or rapiers at dawn in the park but no, the lawyers are out to make a packet, again. Maybe send both parties to meet the poor litlte starving kids around the world (indeed probably downtown from where they live) and get a load of reality.

So Greg has been screwed over by Trek. Who hasn’t? The so called “American bicycle company” that can’t manage to sell any American bikes for under $2500, has put $ well ahead of ethics over the last 10-15 years. Greg deserves better. The bikes Trek is “designing”(maybe) and “purchasing” from their Asian sweat shops in his name are a disgrace to Greg’s name and renown as the greatest (drug free) American racer to ever win the Tour. I hope he seeks out another builder (I.F., Ellsworth, Waterford, etc.) here or in Europe that will be proud to build his bikes, not merely contractually obligated. Trek and Lance deserve each other! Now I have to hope Lance’s lawyers don’t sue me too.

I would not be shocked if Armstrong was doping, but to say he was, with so little evidence much less proof is irresponsible. Like it or not (I don’t like it) Lance Armstrong is very popular with the American people. Ripping him in what seems like a petty and possibly slanderous way hurts Greg’s reputation and that of those connected with you. Yea, tell the truth, but only when you KNOW the truth. Otherwise respect your business partners and shut up!