Cycling
Landis to ride again in NZ
2010-10-18 11:08
Wellington - Race organisers say disgraced cyclist Floyd Landis will ride in New Zealand's Tour of Southland next month for the second time.
Landis, who after years of denials admitted this year to the doping which caused him to be stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title, competed in the five-day, nine-stage tour last year when he finished 40th of the 95 riders who completed the race.
Tour manager Bruce Ross said on Monday he has no objection to the American rider's participation.
"He feels he has to put things right," Ross told the Associated Press from the tour headquarters in Invercargill. "He realises he's made mistakes, but he's served his time and now he just wants to get on with his life."
Landis will ride for Auckland-based professional team Orca Velo Merino, which will include three New Zealand and two Australian riders. He lacked support in last year's race, but is thought likely to more competitive in a stronger team this year.
"It's fair to say he was closely watched last year," Ross said. "He was a bit of a marked man so he wasn't really able to assert himself that much.
"But it's clear he really enjoyed it here and he wanted to come back. I'm sure he'll be welcomed by the other riders."
As well as admitting to his own doping, Landis has accused Lance Armstrong and others of cheating. The Landis allegations helped set in motion a US federal investigation into cycling, including Armstrong.
Landis' involvement in an Australian conference last month on the eve of the world road cycling championships in Geelong west of Melbourne was met with intense criticism from race organizers, who withdrew their support for the event.