Floyd Landis has responded to comments made by UCI president Pat McQuaid on the American cyclist's ongoing doping case. In the Mercury News of Sunday, February 18, McQuaid argued that many athletes who returned a positive doping test tried to come clean of suspicions by questioning the testing methods. "Every athlete who tests positive blames the system and somebody else," he said. "Floyd is no different. Floyd has very expensive lawyers and PR people. He's doing an epic number. The public needs to understand they are hearing one side of the story."
In a press release, Landis responded to McQuaid's comments, saying that they "highlight the lack of quality leadership at the UCI, and his wish to deny me the basic rights to defend myself and protect my livelihood. At crushing personal expense, building a team of professionals to support me is the only way I have to fight against an unfair system and unsubstantiated allegations. The UCI should be apologizing that its athletes must go to such lengths to try to protect their basic rights, not criticizing them for the expense they are incurring to defend themselves."
The 2006 Tour de France winner added that his positive doping result in late July had not been properly handled by the UCI, which allegedly leaked information to the media. "Mr. McQuaid started my trial by media when he made his leading comments about a 'worst case scenario' adverse analytical finding on July 26. His organization continued to subject me to a public show trial when I had no information with which to defend myself by leaking test results to the New York Times, announcing the results of A samples before B confirmations, and refusing to inform me of the results of my B sample before they announced it in a press release.
"Mr. McQuaid should suspend all public comment on my case until it is resolved in an appropriate and professional manner."
Cyclingnews' coverage of the Floyd Landis case
September 28, 2008 - Landis takes case to US federal court
September 10, 2008 - Landis signing with current Health Net-Maxxis team for 2009
July 1, 2008 - CAS delivers final blow to Landis legal challenge
June 30, 2008 - Landis loses final appeal
June 28, 2008 - Landis decision due Monday
March 12, 2008 - Landis' judgment day nears
October 21, 2007 - Landis files appeal with CAS
October 18, 2007 - AFLD takes another look at Landis case
Thursday, October 11 - Landis continues fight, appeals to CAS
Saturday, September 22 - UCI officially names Pereiro 2006 Tour champion, Landis case raises issues
Friday, September 21 - Landis' appeal denied, two year suspension levied
Cyclingnews' complete coverage of the Floyd Landis case
