Marketplace Roundup

Suits Like Speedo LZR  Banned Starting In 2010

In N.Y., Karen Crouse reported FINA officials Friday at the orgnization's general congress "decided to ban" Speedo's high-tech LZR Racer swimsuits that have been "likened to doping on a hanger." The ban "does not start until 2010, but the polyurethane-based swimsuit era" that Speedo "introduced in the lead-up to last year's Beijing Olympics will effectively be ushered out." In the 17 months since the LZR Racer "hit the market and spawned a host of imitators, more than 130 world records have fallen" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/25). CBS' Terrell Brown noted a "new rule will require suits fit between the waist and knees for men and between the shoulders and knees for women." Suits also "must also be made of textiles" ("Evening News," CBS, 7/25). 

GEAR CHANGE: In Miami, Linda Robertson writes Lance Armstrong "stuck right with" '09 Tour de France champion Alberto Contador "in support, but they ceased to be teammates as soon as Armstrong announced his alliance with RadioShack" last week. Armstrong Saturday night "skipped the traditional team celebration." Armstrong: "To be honest, I went to dinner with the RadioShack guys and had a few more glasses of wine than I normally have" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/27).

TENNESSEE WALTZ: In N.Y., Ray Glier noted Univ. of Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin "mentioned a billboard that will be going up in the South Florida recruiting ground." Kiffin: "That will give you something to write about that will help us, too. I'm not going to give you any more than that." Kiffin added, "We're creating interest, and it's shown" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/25).

POWER SURGE: In Ontario, Jesse Grass reported Bruce Power has become an official sponsor of Air Canada Centre, the Maple Leafs, the Raptors and the AHL Toronto Marlies under an agreement with MLSE which "will see the local company provide power to the teams and their buildings for the 2009-2010 seasons." Grass noted Bruce Power signed a multi-year agreement with the Blue Jays and Rogers Centre two years ago (Owen Sound SUN TIMES, 7/24).