The world of cycling is once again facing up to a storm over performance-enhancing drugs after Lance Armstrong and the International Cycling Union slammed Floyd Landis for accusations made by the disgraced rider.

LANCE ARMSTRONG yesterday insisted he has “nothing to hide” as he dismissed accusations made by disgraced American rider Floyd Landis.

Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas-Doimo) emerged victorious from a sprint for the line to win the fourth stage of the Tour of California.

LANCE ARMSTRONG has guaranteed worldwide interest in this year’s Tour of Ireland by confirming that he will contest the event which takes place from August 19-23 with stage ends yet to be announced.

Lance Armstrong has confirmed he will compete in the Tour of Ireland in August.

LANCE ARMSTRONG may be happy playing a support role to his Astana team leader Levi Leipheimer when the 2009 Amgen Tour Of California gets under way today, but that will not stop him being everyone else’s centre of attention.

Lance Armstrong has again issued a firm denial against the doping allegations which have cast a shadow over his illustrious career, insisting: “there are exceptional athletes out there”.

Reports that seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will return to cycling have been met with bemusement by the team with which he is said to be making his comeback.

FLOYD LANDIS never saw the stump that sent him flying. Landis strayed from the track into a patch of weeds while screaming down a steep descent during his first lap at the 24 Hours of Canaan, a mountain bike relay race in West Virginia.