Armstrong supports Landis against French lab

Lance Armstrong offered words of support for Floyd Landis, whose lawyers and defense experts publicly criticized the French Chatenay-Malabry lab for procedural testing irregularities as they pertain to doping allegations against him. In Stage 17 of the 2006 Tour de France, Landis tested positive for an elevated testosterone to epitestosterone ratio. The lab has conducted both initial tests and recent follow up tests on his seven B samples, and procedures to determine whether Landis will keep or lose his title and possibly face a two-year ban are ongoing.

"I think it's a good tactic to share that with the public," said Armstrong Wednesday to the Associated Press. "I believe in Floyd, I believe he hasn't had a fair shake. I don't trust the lab."

The French lab, which is accredited by both the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently reported that follow-up tests on Landis' samples showed traces of synthetic testosterone.

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.