Armstrong's Invisible Hand: The Strong Arm of Corporate Sponsors
Professional cycling is a sport rich in tradition. One such tradition is personified by Bernard Hinault, known with equal parts respect and disdain as le Patron (the boss of the peloton). On the road, during races, veteran and successful team leaders have often taken over control of entire races. That command of the event included many strong personalities, such as Lance Armstrong.
The recent fall from grace of Armstrong, however, has had little examination of the Invisible Hand of Armstrong's more powerful strong-arm tactics—conducting his doping under the guise of powerful corporate and branded interests (Live Strong).
The Armstrong story is more than a story about corrupt cycling and sport; it is a cautionary tale of the inherent flaws of the Free Market, Corporate Culture, and the power of the all-mighty dollar to corrupt.
The recent fall from grace of Armstrong, however, has had little examination of the Invisible Hand of Armstrong's more powerful strong-arm tactics—conducting his doping under the guise of powerful corporate and branded interests (Live Strong).
The Armstrong story is more than a story about corrupt cycling and sport; it is a cautionary tale of the inherent flaws of the Free Market, Corporate Culture, and the power of the all-mighty dollar to corrupt.