AFLD bans Landis from all French competition

The French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) announced Wednesday that American Floyd Landis was banned from all races in France, including those not sanctioned by the UCI.

Then Phonak rider Landis tested positive for testosterone in July 2006 during the Tour de France, and he was banned for two years by the US Anti-doping Agency (USADA) in September. The USADA ban prohibits him from competition in UCI races and those of affiliated national federations.

Given the ongoing dispute between the UCI and Tour de France organizers ASO, the new ban will cover events like the Tour de France, even if they happen without UCI or French Cycling Federation sanctioning.

"The AFLD has suspended Floyd Landis for a two-year duration from all competitions in France," said Pierre Bordry, AFLD president to Reuters. Landis' ban began January 30, 2007 and will run for two years, although he has the right to appeal the decision to France's Conseil d'Etat.