Letting bygones be bygones and perhaps signaling a warmer relationship, Lance Armstrong’s Mellow Johnnys bike store in Austin, Texas will carry the new Lemond road bikes.
Armstrong and Lemond have been bitter rivals for over fifteen years over the issue of doping. It is Lemond’s belief that Trek discontinued his original line of bikes under pressure from the now-disgraced champion. However, the Texan’s decision to carry the Lemond bikes is perhaps another significant step towards his redemption and public forgiveness.
“Yeah, we’ll have the bikes displayed and take orders,” said Mellow Johnny’s store manager Jason Kleck. “The boss called up and he calls the shots. In fact, we’re one of the first shops in the U.S to get them.”
The three Lemond road bikes are limited production, carbon fiber models with Campagnolo components and Time pedals. They were developed with the French company Time with which Lemond has had a close relationship since his days as a Tour de France winner.
It’s unclear whether Lemond approached Armstrong with the idea or whether it was Armstrong who made the overture. Long-time critic Betsey Andreu was shocked by the development. “He did what? I can’t believe it,” she said. “I don’t know why he still hasn’t admitted he lied in the hospital room but now he’s being all nicey-nicey with Greg.”
Lemond has declined comment on the Mellow Johnny’s story but said off the record that he’s happy an arrangement could be worked out. A spokesperson for the Lemond Fitness company said this is good news. “Mellow Johnny’s is a terrific retail establishment and we’re thrilled to be in that environment,” said Stephanie Slivers. “We all know Greg and Lance haven’t been best friends but this will really break the ice.”
Mellow Johnny’s carrys a range of high end race bike from Trek and Pinarello. A Lemond frame, fork, headset and carbon bottle cage will retail for $4,449. The fully equipped Campagnolo Chorus-equipped model starts at $7,499 while the Campagnolo EPS bike will retail for US$11,999.
Doesn’t matter what was said in the hospital room, true or untrue, Betsy broke the rule of patient confidentiality. Shame she still doesn’t understand that.
Lance wasn’t her patient. No rules broken.
When a patient allows you sit sit in on a doctors prognosis, you must follow the rules of patient confidentially or you may be libel by the doctor or the patient. Check it out for yourself aj.
Like the say in “The Godfather” ‘it’s business’
Bidness. Although I did make up that story for laughs. Just to good an irony to pass up. Matt