LA Watch: Breaking news

[the other Steve Dennis]

[quote]An anonymous source with knowledge of Starbucks’ branding initiatives has informed RKP that there are Starbucks/LiveStrong co-branded designs have been prepared for in-store displays. The natural question of why Starbucks would consider affiliating itself with a ProTour cycling team might have something to Starbucks impending launch of an instant coffee called VIA, not to mention its presence in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz is known to be a big cycling fan and lunched with Armstrong prior to his departure for the Tour de France.

[Ivor]

[url]http://teamradioshack.com/getready[/url]

[Roy Green]

After Armstrong's riding in this year's Tour, he could get sponsorship anywhere!

[huw williams]

Here's the official press release

RadioShack Partners With Seven-Time Tour de France Winner Lance Armstrong to Form New Cycling Team in 2010

FORT WORTH, Texas and AUSTIN, Texas, July 23, 2009 – RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) is proud to announce a partnership with seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong to form a new American Pro-Tour cycling team. Beginning in 2010, Lance Armstrong will compete for Team RadioShack as a cyclist, runner and triathlete in events around the world, including the 2010 Tour de France.

Lance Armstrong returned to the world stage of professional cycling in order to promote the efforts of the LIVESTRONG Foundation and their fight against cancer. From the start of the 2009 season at the Tour Down Under in Australia, Lance’s return has generated significant attention and has allowed LIVESTRONG to step up awareness, grassroots action and fundraising in the global fight against cancer.

“This has been a great season so far – the response in the countries we’ve been to has been amazing and it’s clear now that this was the right choice. Utilizing the massive media attention that the sport receives has been the perfect vehicle to help spread the LIVESTRONG message around the world,” said Lance Armstrong. “To be able to compete for an American team comprised of the world’s top cyclists, supported by the best coaches and staff – I couldn’t be happier to partner with RadioShack, a truly iconic American brand,” said Lance Armstrong.

“Teaming up with RadioShack makes sense for a number of reasons. For one, it’s very appealing to me that they have a huge base of stores throughout the U.S. and Mexico. We have an incredible opportunity to leverage RadioShack’s connection to tens of millions of people to spread the LIVESTRONG message,” said Armstrong. “Also, in cycling, the technology we use on our bikes matters – it allows us to compete at the highest level. It’s important to me to partner with a brand that understands the role technology plays in people’s lives.”

“RadioShack keeps people connected in a highly mobile world through innovative technology from leading brands,” said Lee Applbaum, RadioShack’s Chief Marketing Officer. “As one of the greatest athletes of our generation, a father, a cancer survivor, and a tireless advocate in the fight against cancer, Lance Armstrong understands the power of keeping people connected and that’s why we feel he’s the perfect partner for our brand. “

“This is an exciting time at RadioShack,” added Applbaum. “We are re-launching our brand with a new creative platform in early August, and now having Lance on our team – an American icon who embodies the spirit of mobility, connectivity and philanthropy – really allows us to accelerate our brand’s evolution.”

RadioShack also plans to activate their 35,000 employees and almost 6,000 stores across the country to raise awareness and funding for the fight against cancer through the Lance Armstrong Foundation and LIVESTRONG. “We know that cancer research and survivorship is near to the hearts of many of our associates and customers, and together with Lance and his Foundation, we have the power to make a meaningful difference,” said Julian Day, RadioShack’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

RadioShack will also sponsor the LIVESTRONG Foundation’s signature fundraising event, the LIVESTRONG Challenge Series, a 5K run/walk and cycling ride held in four cities throughout the United States, providing support for an ongoing, self-sustaining fundraising vehicle to raise money for the fight against cancer.

“RadioShack’s sponsorship will help spread the spirit of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign and fuel its efforts make cancer a global priority. The cancer community salutes RadioShack’s efforts and the investment they are making in support of 28 million people living with this disease,” said Doug Ulman, CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Wasserman Media Group managed the partnership process on behalf of Capital Sports & Entertainment and Lance Armstrong.

About RadioShack Corporation

RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH), headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the nation's most experienced and trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers, offering innovative products and services from leading brands. Our knowledgeable, helpful sales associates are committed to enhancing the in-store shopping experience by listening to our customers, offering advice, and partnering with them to find the best technology solutions that fit their needs. Operating from convenient and accessible neighborhood and mall locations, the company has approximately 4,450 company-operated stores; almost 1,400 dealer outlets; nearly 600 wireless phone kiosks throughout the U.S.; and approximately 200 company-operated stores in Mexico. For more information on RadioShack Corporation, or to purchase items online, visit www.RadioShack.com <http://www.RadioShack.com> .


Capital Sports & Entertainment
Based in Austin, Texas, Capital Sports & Entertainment (CSE) builds and manages experiences, personalities, businesses and brands. CSE has launched successful enterprises such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Lollapalooza, the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, C3 Presents, and C3 Management. CSE ran and managed the Discovery Channel Pro-Cycling Team from 2004-2007 after taking over as manager of the United States Pro-Cycling Team. CSE created media and marketing partnerships that produced integrated programming on OLN/Versus, ESPN and Discovery. CSE will be the General Manager for Team RadioShack, which will compete as a Pro-Tour team. Additionally, CSE manages the Trek-LIVESTRONG U23 Team, a joint project between Lance Armstrong and Trek Bicycle to help develop the next generation of great American cyclists. For more information about CSE or its clients and properties, visit www.planetcse.com <http://www.planetcse.com> .

[Elliot M]

Radioshack? No wonder Bruyneel wasn't keen on losing the radios!

[Toks]

[quote="marco"]I stand corrected, I honestly didn't think they'd be able to get a backer

[Toks]

[quote="marco"]Yes. based on him having to let Tailwind go when there was no more investors to be found. Theres always a danger for a premium brand new to the sport that your name is about to get dragged through the sh1t in cycling should the bodies ever be discovered! You don't hear much of Phonak or TMobile these days!

I trust RadioShack had time to do their due dilligence and they are confident that their investment is not about to tank thanks to a forthcoming court case or two. More money in the sport can only be a good thing.

[Alex P]

[quote]I trust RadioShack had time to do their due dilligence and they are confident that their investment is not about to tank thanks to a forthcoming court case or two. More money in the sport can only be a good thing.

[Mike I]

RadioShack bikes unveiled. Looks like the plan is to avoid the need for the domestiques to go back to the team car for drinks .

[img]http://i30.tinypic.com/eal5lc.jpg[/img]

[Sylv]

bit quiet on the LA front

food for thought [url=http://cozybeehive.blogspot.com/2009/07/church-of-lance-armstrong.html]the church of LA[/url]

[Will]

I've considered the evidence and now agree that Lance is an idiot

[Andrew G]

He's always been a (insert naughty word of choice) irrespective of his bike riding ability.

[Alex P]

Although he has probably earned more money than everybody in the club put together........idiot..I think not

[Robh]

Here's a nice book for you Marco

http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/ ... eth+kreutz

[Mike I]

[quote]Renowned sports photographer and photojournalist Elizabeth Kreutz has been granted unparalleled access to Lance's day-to-day world in this, his most triumphant season.