With Nike also terminating its relationship with Armstrong today, it seems like the end of the road for one of the highest-profile athletes America has produced.

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His personal diplomacy has also helped resurrect India's investor profile, including a major international road shows earlier this year.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: India Keeps Feeding the Beast

He also ordered the Joint Vertical Aircraft Road Map Task Force to assess the V-22 production profile alternatives against the department's overall investment in the rotary wing industrial sector and the eventual needs to replace and or refurbish aging aircraft.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

And it is part of a trend that is seeing road-car manufacturers using F1 teams as a means of raising their profile.

BBC: Red Bull get budget boost through Infiniti link-up

For the high-profile Americans, the race was more of a brisk workout on the long road to the London Olympics this summer.

WSJ: Half Marathon, Full Turnout

Many Conservatives looked forward to road-testing their new line on an EU referendum in what will inevitably be a high profile by-election.

BBC: A matter of timing

Low-profile performance tires yield outstanding turn-in response, mid-corner grip, and road feel.

ENGADGET: Hyundai unveils HCD-14 Genesis concept: suicide doors, gesture and eye controls