August 12/06 11:04 am - The "Cost" of Chreating

Posted by Editoress on 08/12/06
 

The Cost of Cheating
Courtesy SIRC

1. The British newspaper, The Telegraph (Telegraph.co.uk) has calculated that Floyd Landis stands to lose (along with his reputation and Tour title) the following amounts (US $) if his appeals are not successful:

• $1.9 million annual salary plus bonuses as a team leader
• $3.8 to $7.6 million annually in endorsements of equipment, bike manufacturers, clothing and lifestyle products as reigning Tour winner
• $38,000 to $95,000 per personal appearance
• $38,000 to $48,000 per race in subsequent seasons
• $1-2 million for the rights to a ghosted autobiography


2. The Tour of Elk Grove in Illinois has told Floyd Landis it doesn't want him in the race this weekend or even to make an appearance. Landis had been promoted as the top attraction. But according to race director Nick Sepke, "We didn't want that image associated with our event." Two other Americans just back from the Tour de France are expected to compete - Dave Zabriskie and Christian Vande Velde.

3. Skoda, the main vehicle sponsor of the Tour de France, has chosen not to renew its contract after it expires next year. The Czech car manufacturer, part of the Volkswagen group, said it was "generally content with the sponsorship" but didn't want to be associated with doping scandals such as the one involving Landis.