LeMond and Trek settle differences

02/02/2010

Greg LeMond, three-time Tour de France winner, and Trek Bicycle Corp have reached an out of court settlement following a long running legal battle. The settlement between the two parties came exactly one month before the scheduled start of a trial in the US District Court in St Paul, Minnesota.

The trial would have seen the first American Tour winner up against the Wisconsin-based Trek, which had previously marketed a line under the LeMond name via a business venture that commenced in 1995.

The LeMond versus Trek dispute centred on the lacklustre sales of the LeMond brand. Both parties claimed that the other’s actions had damaged the marketability of LeMond bikes. Meanwhile, at the heart of the dispute was a long running feud between Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong – a long time partner of Trek.

Over a number of years, LeMond and Armstrong engaged in a bitter dispute over doping claims. Armstrong has always denied he used performance-enhancing drugs. The role of LeMond, in publicly doubting Armstrong's performances, was claimed to be a contributing factor in the challenges facing the LeMond brand.

While terms of the settlement are confidential, Trek confirmed that it will provide funding to 1in6, a charity close the cycling legend's heart. “Greg has a hard-won place in the Pantheon of bicycle racing, and we are proud of what we were able to accomplish together,” said Trek’s President John Burke. “Trek respects Greg’s efforts and commitment to the charitable foundation, 1in6.org, and Trek is pleased to lend its support to that very worthwhile endeavour.”

1in6 is a non-profit organisation with the mission of helping men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood. LeMond, who in recent years confirmed that he was a victim of childhood abuse, is a founding member of the organisation’s board of directors.

“I am pleased to resolve the issues between Trek and myself and am happy to be able to move forward with the things important in my life," added LeMond. "I appreciate Trek’s support for the work of 1in6.org. I take deep satisfaction in this resolution and believe it will have a positive impact on those that can benefit most from the purpose of 1in6.org.”

Rights to the eponymous bicycle line now revert back to LeMond, who is understood to be weighing up how soon to bring it back to market.

www.greglemond.com
www.trekbikes.com

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