Tour de France Teams Withdraw, Pull Sponsorship Amid EPO Tests

Team Saunier Duval-Scott Withdraws From Tour De France After Rider's Doping Violation

MORE CASUALTIES: South Africa-based industrial company Barloworld will withdraw its sponsorship of Team Barloworld following the '08 Tour de France. The decision comes after team member Moises Duenas tested positive for EPO after Stage 4 of the race. Barloworld will honor all contractual obligations and is in talks to find a replacement sponsor (Barloworld). The AP noted the team said that it has a "'zero tolerance' policy on doping" and that the ongoing doping scandal in the sport has "had a 'negative impact' on its brand image" (AP, 7/20).

TAKING THE HIGH ROAD: Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle, whose company in June agreed to title sponsor Team High Road for the Tour, said of the sponsorship, "Competitive team sports are not in the center of the target for Columbia and its products." But Boyle said based on research by Team Columbia Owner Bob Stapleton on the "significant crossover between competitive cycling and people who are interested in outdoor activities, we were convinced this would be a good opportunity for branding. We need help expanding our brand awareness in Europe and this has been spectacular for that" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/20).

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