Floyd Landis, currently in rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on his right hip, has not ruled out a come-back to professional competition as of 2007, and maintained that he did not use banned substances to achieve his Tour de France win this year, despite the positive test results for abnormal levels of testosterone his A and B sample delivered in July. In an interview with AP, the former Phonak rider said, "The accusations against me are unfounded. I hope the world gets to see that."
Landis, who will start to ride on a stationary bike as of next week, prepares the defense of his case in what will probably be a public hearing. The 30 year-old said he thought a public hearing would be his best chance to have his side heard, and added that officials at the International Cycling Union (UCI) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prosecuted his case in the press.
He said many who run the federation only want to stay in the good graces of the International Olympic Committee in hopes of advancing their careers there. "I'm not hopeful this sport can be fixed as long as UCI is running it. That's all I can say," Landis commented.
He did not, however, lump the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) with those he believes have tarnished his reputation and that of his sport. "Apart from my side, USADA has been the one group that has followed the rules, done everything properly," he added.
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
