MEXICO CITY: A global business forum has dropped disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong from the list of speakers for its Mexico City event next month, organizers said yesterday.
The US 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 said.
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 33,000 pesos ($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. AFP
