Will Floyd Landis Race In 2009 For Rock Racing? Hamilton Says Welcome
http://www.byjamesraia.com/articles/153/1/Will-Floyd-Landis-Race-In-2009-For-Rock-Racing-Hamilton-Says-Welcome/Page1.html
By James Raia
Published on 08/8/2008
Will Floyd Landis ride again in the pro peloton? If a rampant rumor is true, the answer is yes. And it may happen as soon as next February. That’s when Landis, the dethroned 2006 Tour de France champion, can return to compete following a two-year suspension for an abnormal testosterone ratio. And none other than Tyler Hamilton, the 2004 Olympic time trial gold medalist who also served a two-year suspension for the presence of foreign blood in his system, got the rumor circulating.
Will Floyd Landis ride again in the pro peloton? If a rampant rumor is true, the answer is yes. And it may happen as soon as next February. That’s when Landis, the dethroned 2006 Tour de France champion, can return to compete following a two-year suspension for an abnormal testosterone ratio. And none other than Tyler Hamilton, the 2004 Olympic time trial gold medalist who also served a two-year suspension for the presence of foreign blood in his system, got the rumor circulating.Will Floyd Landis ride again in the pro pelolton? If a rampant rumor is true, the answer is yes, and it may happen as soon as next February.
That’s when Landis, the dethroned 2006 Tour de France champion, can return to compete following a two-year suspension for an abnormal testosterone ratio.
And none other than Tyler Hamilton, the 2004 Olympic time trial gold medalist who also served a two-year suspension for the presence of foreign blood in his system, got the rumor circulating.
Hamilton, quoted in the Belgian publication HLN earlier this week, said: "Floyd is welcome to join us immediately. I know what he is going through, we can help him return to the top."
Landis is suspended until January 30, 2009.
Hamilton returned to pro racing at beginning of the 2007 season with Tinkov and then moved to controversial Rock Racing team in 2008. It’s owned and operated by Michael Ball, the founder of a high-end jeans manufacturer.
Last month Hamilton, a former Tour de France stage winner who finished as high as fourth in cycling’s premier event, claimed his first stage race victory in four years last month at China's Tour of Qinghai Lake.
Hamilton’s statement triggered substantial media interest.
Landis hasn’t commented, but Ball released a statement:
“At this juncture, I have not made any decisions regarding the 2009 Rock Racing roster,” said Ball. “If, or when, Floyd Landis returns to racing, I hope people recognize that he has served his time and should be given the opportunity to showcase the talent that made him one of the world’s top bike racers. He has a right to continue to make a living in his chosen profession.”
In addition to Hamilton, the Rock Racing squad includes Oscar Sevilla of Spain, Victor Hugo Pena of Columbia and American Fred Rodriguez, the three-time national pro road titlist.
Landis has not competed on the road since his victory and subsequent disqualification from the 2006 Tour de France. Landis has competed in several mountain bike events, including a second-place finish in the 2007 Leadville 100.
That’s when Landis, the dethroned 2006 Tour de France champion, can return to compete following a two-year suspension for an abnormal testosterone ratio.
And none other than Tyler Hamilton, the 2004 Olympic time trial gold medalist who also served a two-year suspension for the presence of foreign blood in his system, got the rumor circulating.
Hamilton, quoted in the Belgian publication HLN earlier this week, said: "Floyd is welcome to join us immediately. I know what he is going through, we can help him return to the top."
Landis is suspended until January 30, 2009.
Hamilton returned to pro racing at beginning of the 2007 season with Tinkov and then moved to controversial Rock Racing team in 2008. It’s owned and operated by Michael Ball, the founder of a high-end jeans manufacturer.
Last month Hamilton, a former Tour de France stage winner who finished as high as fourth in cycling’s premier event, claimed his first stage race victory in four years last month at China's Tour of Qinghai Lake.
Hamilton’s statement triggered substantial media interest.
Landis hasn’t commented, but Ball released a statement:
“At this juncture, I have not made any decisions regarding the 2009 Rock Racing roster,” said Ball. “If, or when, Floyd Landis returns to racing, I hope people recognize that he has served his time and should be given the opportunity to showcase the talent that made him one of the world’s top bike racers. He has a right to continue to make a living in his chosen profession.”
In addition to Hamilton, the Rock Racing squad includes Oscar Sevilla of Spain, Victor Hugo Pena of Columbia and American Fred Rodriguez, the three-time national pro road titlist.
Landis has not competed on the road since his victory and subsequent disqualification from the 2006 Tour de France. Landis has competed in several mountain bike events, including a second-place finish in the 2007 Leadville 100.