<\/p>\n
Hincapie addressed the sponsorship in a statement to Escape
\nCollective. \u201cI am part-owner of the podcast along with Lance,\u201d he said. \u201cI saw
\nit as an opportunity to promote the team through those channels and gain more
\nsupport through that outlet, as we have a big viewership during the Tour. No
\nother affiliation beyond that. Looking forward to a great show this year
\ntalking about the Tour.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also confirmed that the team is currently in the process
\nof registration with cycling\u2019s governing body. \u201cThe UCI registration process is
\nstill underway, and all sponsorship arrangements are part of that review. We’ve
\nbeen fully transparent about the structure and are working with our legal team
\nto ensure everything meets their requirements. We’re very excited about what
\nwe’re building and the momentum we have so far to help support cycling here in
\nthe USA and abroad.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, the idea that Armstrong\u2019s brand, tainted by the most
\ndamaging doping scandal in cycling history, would be associated with a
\ncompetitive team is already stirring concern. The sport has made significant
\nefforts to clean up its image over the last 15 years, and many within the
\npeloton have built their careers in that new, stricter environment.<\/p>\n
The reaction from the professional ranks remains to be seen,
\nbut unease seems inevitable. While Armstrong retains a sizeable media following
\nand The Move is especially popular during Grand Tours, many current pros have
\nbeen vocal in their desire to distance themselves from figures associated with
\nthe EPO era.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also a risk that the controversy could overshadow
\nthe team\u2019s ambitions. For younger riders or American talents hoping to break
\nthrough, the sponsorship may come with baggage they didn\u2019t sign up for. Even if
\nthe team is UCI-registered and above board, being linked to Armstrong, even
\nindirectly, could make partnerships with other brands or race organisers more
\ndifficult.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the Modern Adventure Pro Cycling project sits on
\na delicate line. Legally, there appears to be no obstacle. Ethically and
\nreputationally, it\u2019s far more complicated. Armstrong\u2019s name continues to divide
\nthe cycling world, and this move is unlikely to bridge that divide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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