Followers and participants of the Floyd Landis hearing got a well-deserved rest day Sunday after six straight days of testimony of witnesses provided by Landis' team and the US Anti Doping Agency (USADA).
Yesterday, Landis took the stand for the first time in his defense late in the day after the arbitration panel heard testimony by USADA witnesses Don Catlin, recently retired as chief of UCLA's analytical laboratory and Dr Wilhelm Schanzer, director of the Institute of Biochemistry of the German Sports University in Cologne.
Landis swore under oath that he had never taken any banned substances including testosterone. His testimony will continue 8:00 PDT Monday morning. When his own lawyers have finished, the action in the courtroom will heat up. Then, USADA lawyers have the opportunity for cross-examination.
The hearing is scheduled to end Wednesday, but as time runs out, closing statements will be held at a later time and date to be decided.
Three arbitration panelists will make a decision following the hearing. If Landis is found guilty of doping, he will face a two-year ban from cycling and possible loss of his Tour de France 2006 title. However, any verdict is likely to move the case to its next phase, a hearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
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.
