Although the case against American cyclist Floyd Landis is still pending a final verdict after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the French Anti-doping Agency (AFLD) made a move Wednesday to ensure Landis will not be able to compete in the Tour de France while he is serving his ban from cycling.
Landis tested positive for testosterone during Stage 17 of the 2006 Tour de France. He was stripped of his title after USADA found him guilty, and the Tour win was awarded to Oscar Pereiro Monday. Landis will serve a two year ban on any UCI-sanctioned races unless his verdict is overturned.
Given the ongoing conflicts between the UCI and ASO, organizers of the Tour de France, it is possible the Tour de France could occur outside of the UCI's sanctioning, which would mean Landis' ban would bear no weight.
Therefore, the AFLD has decided to take another look at Landis' case. "We have notified his lawyers," AFLD president Pierre Bordry confirmed to the AFP Wednesday. If the AFLD rules on Landis, it could close a legal loophole and ban him from a non-UCI sanctioned Tour de France.
AFLD shelved Landis' case late last winter while he was heard by the US Anti-doping Agency. Bordry also told AFP that "should the Tour de France decide to withdraw from the UCI calendar the AFLD would be able to carry out the necessary controls.
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
