Originally Posted by
mattm
Why?
Because Lance and his success was an inspiration to many to ride or ride more, and if he is generally considered to be a disgrace rather than a hero he will not have this effect. I don't think it will hurt the industry too much, though. I personally think the industry's focus on racing and racing equipment is to its detriment - if bike shops were all full of city bikes, hybrids, cargo bikes, and biefiets (sp?)... and staff who didn't look at them and the people who use them as less important than the corresponding racers... the whole industry and the world would be a better place.
However, it needs to be repeated: If he had stepped forward
like a man and admitted his doping rather than covering it up like a street thug, people would forgive him pretty quick. People love tearful appologies.