Lance Armstrong Dropped From Mexico City's World Business Forum IOL News
go to original October 26, 2012

American cyclist Lance Armstrong has been cut from the list of speakers at a business forum in Mexico.  (Lucas Jackson)

MEXICO CITY - A global business forum has dropped cyclist Lance Armstrong from the list of speakers for its Mexico City event next month, organizers said on Thursday.

The American rider was cut from the World Business Forum in light of the “strong accusations and numerous evidence” of doping against him, World of Business Ideas (WOBI) events marketing director Nicolas Heller told reporters.

Armstrong's image still appears on street posters promoting the November 14-15 event in the Mexican capital, whose speakers include former Colombian president Alvaro Uribe.

But the forum decided to drop Armstrong last week and replaced him with former American football star Joe Montana, the quarterback who led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl wins.

WOBI Mexico director general Gustavo Barcia said in a statement that keeping Armstrong on the speakers' roster would have sent a “confusing message” since the company promotes “the highest ethical standards and social responsibility” in business.

The regular price for an individual ticket to attend the forum is $2,500, according to WOBI's website. Heller said the fees paid to speakers were confidential.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) stripped Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles this week after a report by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) put him at the heart of a vast doping programme.

Several sponsors, including US sportswear firm Nike, have cut ties with Armstrong since the scandal broke out.

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