Landis Continues to Plead His Innocence

Filed in archive Biking on September 26, 2007

If you thought Floyd Landis was going to go away and hide behind a rock, you were wrong. In a letter to his fans posted on his personal website, Landis is maintaining his innocence.

Last week, arbitrators upheld the ruling that Landis tested positive for hormone testosterone after winning last year's Tour de France. The ruling states he must remove the title and be subjected to a two year ban.

I'm of course disappointed and in fact angry about the split decision ruling against me last week.

If any good has come out of this, we have shown that the anti-doping system is corrupt, inefficient and unfair. The content of this decision unfortunately highlights this once again. The straightforward and clear dissent in support of my case contrasts sharply with the scientifically flawed and illogical majority decision against me - not to mention the nonsensical ruling regarding when my proposed two-year suspension should start. I still have hope that the system can, and will be, changed so that no other athlete has to suffer through this process only to be denied a clean chance at justice.

I can sleep well at night knowing that I won the 2006 Tour de France fair and square. I hope that my campaign to clear my name still means something to all of you who have kindly donated to my legal defense fund. Every single contribution to the FFF made a real difference. For your constant support and generosity, I thank you.

At the end of the day, I am proud of what I accomplished in winning the Tour and I'll always consider myself the rightful winner of the Tour. Whatever the way ahead, it will be good to be moving forward with my life, and at this point I will take some time to review my options.