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Newsflash: Floyd Landis admits doping; Implicates Lance Armstrong

May 20th, 2010 by Al Fresco View Comments

AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

This is just starting to break, but there are reports this morning that Floyd Landis has written a number of e-mails to cycling officials admitting a history of use of performance enhancing drugs. The e-mails were addressed to sponsors as well as officials of USA Cycling and the UCI.

Landis details how Johan Bruyneel, long time coach of Lance Armstrong, introduced him to the use of steroid patches, blood doping and human growth hormone during Landis’ early days with the U.S. Postal squad in 2002 and 2003. He also alleged that Lance helped him understand the way the drugs worked. “He and I had lengthy discussions about it on our training rides during which time he also explained to me the evolution of EPO testing and how transfusions were now necessary due to the inconvenience of the new test.”

Also implicated in Landis’ emails are notable U.S. cyclists such as George Hincapie , Levi Leipheimer and David Zabriskie as well as one time Phonak (and now BMC Racing) team owner Andy Rihs.

Throughout the day, statements have come from George Hincapie, BMC Racing owner Andy Rih’s, BMC manager Jim Ochowicz, Garmin-Transitions manager Jonathan Vaughters, the UCI, WADA and USADA.

Landis says that he came forward to bring attention to current anti-doping efforts, which he calls “a charade”. He also details how to use EPO without getting caught, lending some credence to former BMC rider Thomas Frei’s statement that drinking a liter of water after ingesting EPO would render any tests “unremarkable”.

Landis has most recently raced for the Bahati Foundation Professional Cycling Team, though he is not racing at the Amgen Tour of California.

UCI President Patrick McQuaid, in a statement to the German news agency dpa, reportedly said, “What does he want to achieve? His credibility is zero. He wants revenge, that’s obvious. It is very sad for the cycling.” McQuaid is said to fear a new loss of image for the UCI.

Just in is the official statement from the UCI:

The International Cycling Union has learned of the declarations made by Mr Floyd Landis and published in the Wall Street Journal.

The UCI regrets that Mr Landis has publicly accused individuals without allowing sufficient time for the relevant US authorities to investigate.

An impartial investigation is a fundamental right, as Mr Landis will understand having contested, for two years, the evidence of his breach of the Anti-Doping Rules in 2006.

The UCI will leave it to the individuals accused by Mr Landis to take the position they see fit with regards to this issue.

BMC Racing owner Andy Rihs issued a statement this morning as well.

“Neither I nor the management of the team knew that Floyd Landis doped” stated Rihs. “His present statements according to which I was informed are lies. It probably is a last tragic attempt of Landis to once again gain public recognition whilst step by step he has lost this in the last few years. It is sad to have to see such a thing”

Thankfully, not everyone is closing ranks against Landis. The World Anti-Doping Agency has responded to the allegations and pledges a thorough investigation in conjuction with USADA:

“WADA is aware of the serious allegations made by Mr Landis. We are very interested in learning more about this matter and we will liaise with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and any other authorities with appropriate jurisdiction to get to the heart of the issues raised. WADA looks forward to these further investigations and enquiries by those responsible.

“Generally speaking, WADA encourages everyone with knowledge of banned practices in sport, including athletes who were caught cheating and who denied the evidence for years, to be forthcoming in disclosing the information they may have to the proper authorities. This will further contribute to clean sport and strengthen existing anti-doping programs for the good of clean athletes worldwide.”

USADA head Travis Tygart echoed the comments of WADA, saying:

“Our duty is to fairly and thoroughly pursue any and all reliable evidence of doping to reveal the truth and to ensure honest and fair athletic competition worldwide for both fans and athletes.

“In circumstances where the process results in credible evidence of doping, USADA will follow its mandate to protect clean athletes and the integrity of sport by taking appropriate action under the rules established by federal law.

“With that said, we do not comment on the substance of any doping investigation.”

The statement continued: “It is important to re-emphasise USADA’s position that all athletes are innocent until and unless proven otherwise through the established legal process.

“Attempts to sensationalise or exploit either the process or the athletes are a disservice to fair play, due process, and to those who love clean sport.”

Around noon EST, comments came from the BMC Racing team and George Hincapie. First, BMC’s Jim Ochowicz:

The BMC Racing Team is aware of the allegations leveled against some of its management team and one of its riders, U.S. national champion George Hincapie. These allegations are not true, absolutely unfounded and unproven. This is disappointing to anyone who works in the sport or is a fan of the sport.

Next, from George Hincapie:

I have been a professional on the circuit for 17 years – which is one of the longest careers in the peloton. During that time, I have earned the respect of my peers and a reputation for working hard, honestly and honorably. I’m really disappointed to hear these accusations.

Of course, the most notable rider mentioned in Landis’ allegations was seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Armstrong, like David Zabriskie, Levi Leipheimer and George Hincapie, is racing in the Tour of California right now. Armstrong, who said that he had communicated with Landis in recent weeks and was not surprised by his comments, spoke to reporters outside of the team bus for about ten minutes. We don’t have the full text, but here are some excerpts:

“With regards to the specific allegations, the specific claims, they’re not even worth getting into it. I’m not going to waste my time or your time.”

“We have nothing to hide. We have nothing to run from. It’s our word against his word. I like our word. We like our credibility. History speaks for itself here.”

“We don’t know what he did or didn’t do during the Tour. We followed the case, followed all the drama with regards to the (Landis) case. And now we see something different.”

Bruyneel added: “It was no surprise. It’s been several years (we’ve been expecting) him to say such things. It’s great no matter what. This man is angry, he really needs medical help.”

Garmin-Transitions team manager Jonathan Vaughters told VeloNews Thursday morning that his team will focus on winning the Amgen Tour of California in light of sweeping doping allegations announced by Floyd Landis Wednesday that include Garmin’s overall race leader Dave Zabriskie.

“I’m going to stay focused on keeping this team, and its tradition, and doing what we’ve always said we’re doing, standing for fair competition and clean racing. I’m focused on continuing in doing what we’ve done and make sure that the future generation does not have doubts cast over it.”

Check back on this post throughout the day as more information comes in.