Landis sacked by racing team
Tour de France winner Floyd Landis sacked by Phonak team after B sample confirmed positive drugs test.
The Swiss-based team have decided to terminate the 30-year-old American’s contract after a B sample confirmed an earlier positive test for excessive levels of testosterone.
A team statement read: “The Phonak Cycling Team has learned today from the International Cycling Union (UCI) that team captain Floyd Landis’ B sample has also resulted in a positive finding of doping.
“As a result, Landis will be dismissed without notice for violating the team’s internal code of ethics.”
The UCI confirmed a positive test for his B sample earlier today.
A UCI statement read: “The UCI communicates that the analysis of the B sample of Floyd Landis' urine has confirmed the abnormal result notified by the anti-doping laboratory of Paris on July 26, following the analysis of the sample A.
“Conforming with the anti-doping rules, the Anti-Doping Commission of the UCI is going to demand the American Cycling Federation open disciplinary procedures against the rider.”
Landis is now likely to receive a two-year suspension from the sport.
Landis tested positive after a sensational comeback in the last mountain stage of this year’s Tour, from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Morzine in the Alps. The American made an extraordinary breakaway and won the stage by five minutes and 42 seconds from Carlos Sastra.
His victory came a day after a sluggish performance in stage 16, which looked to have knocked him out of contention.
Landis had denied any wrongdoing, claiming his body naturally produced high levels of testosterone.
He had suggested the cortisone shots he had been taking for a long-standing hip problem may have had an effect.
He had also admitted taking hormones to treat a thyroid problem.
“I’ve had a thyroid condition for the last year or so and have been taking small amounts of thyroid hormone,” he had said. “It’s an oral dose, one a day.”
Oscar Pereiro finished second in the tour, 57 seconds behind Landis, but the Spaniard is now expected to be announced the 2006 winner.
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