Earlier this month we reported that Lance Armstrong is returning to professional cycling, and that the World Triathlon Corporation (owners of the Ironman franchise) was sold to a private equity fund for an estimated $50 to $80 million dollars.
These are facts you probably already knew as both stories proved to be true.
But curious rumors and wild speculation has swirled around both of these stories over the past week.
Pundits and publications are asking what effect these two seismic events will have on the sports of professional bike racing and Ironman racing?
According to the Hawaii Tribune, very little when it comes to Ironman. The paper is reporting that: "It will be business as usual for the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona even though the company that owns it has been sold."
The Hawaiian paper when on to quote Blair LaHaye, spokesperson for Ironman as saying that the New Owners have no plans to move the race, "The Ford Ironman World Championship will take place as scheduled," said LaHaye. "We feel we have a home on the Big Island of Hawaii, and we want to continue to build that relationship with the Kona community."
You can read the entire story HERE.
However the news is much more interesting when it comes to Lance Armstrong. The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Lance Armstrong may buy the Tour de France.
According to the paper:
"Rumours are circulating that behind Armstrong's decision, which will allow him to race in next year's Tour de France, is an audacious plan that will change the face of cycling.
It may not be unveiled next week, but the word is that Armstrong is involved in a possible buyout of Tour organisers Amaury Sport Organisation from its parent company the Amaury Group.
Furthermore, Armstrong may saddle up in the deal with Hein Verbruggen - the former president and now vice-president of cycling's world body, the Union Cycliste Internationale. Some say it may be an Armstrong-UCI deal."
You can read the rest HERE.
Which of these stories is true and which is just wild speculation?
Time will tell.
