Landis races California despite pre-race crash

By Mark Zalewski in Sacramento, California

Floyd Landis, the leader of the OUCH-Maxxis team, crashed during a training ride Thursday afternoon near the start of the Tour of California in Sacramento. His team reported in a press statement that the crash was not serious and that the former winner would start the prologue on Saturday.

"After evaluation by OUCH medical staff, his injuries were determined to be minor and limited to bruising," the statement said. "His surgically repaired hip is fine."

Landis skipped a pre-race press conference due to the crash.

The Tour of California stage race starts Saturday, February 14, and ends on the 22nd. Landis won the inaugural event in 2006.