Armstrong slams Landis after accusations

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.

Landis, who yesterday admitted doping during his career and made allegations against several other riders, claimed seven-times Tour de France winner Armstrong struck a deal to conceal a positive test during the 2002 Tour of Switzerland.

However, Armstrong did not race in the event and that claim in particular brought a strong denial from the UCI, who expressed “outrage” at the allegation.

“The International Cycling Union (UCI) categorically rejects accusations made by Mr Floyd Landis, in particular the allegation that a positive doping result by Lance Armstrong during the 2002 Tour of Switzerland was concealed after an agreement was reached between the American rider, his directeur sportif [sporting director] Mr Johan Bruyneel and the former UCI president, Mr Hein Verbruggen,” a statement from the UCI said.

“Deeply shocked by the gravity of this statement, which considerably impinges on the honour of all persons who have dedicated themselves to the fight against doping, the UCI wishes to clearly state that it has never changed or concealed a positive test result.

“The accusation by Mr Floyd Landis, guilty himself of a breach of the anti-doping rules in 2006, is thus completely unfounded and the UCI can only express its outrage at this new attempt to harm the image of cycling.

“Our sport has long paid a heavy price for the fraudulent behaviour of individuals such as Floyd Landis and we cannot accept the principles governing our work being challenged in terms of their ethics and honesty by a person who has not hesitated to breach such principles.

“By way of information, the UCI would like to point out that Lance Armstrong did not participate in the 2002 Tour of Switzerland.

“Finally, the UCI wishes to make clear that it will undertake all necessary measures to defend its honour as well as the honour of all its executives who have been unfairly accused by Mr Floyd Landis.”

Armstrong also hit out at Landis, insisting he himself had “nothing to hide”.

“I think history speaks for itself here,” he said prior to the fifth stage of the Tour of California, in which he crashed out.

Prior to yesterday, Landis had maintained a long and expensive campaign to try to clear his name after he was stripped of the 2006 Tour de France title following a positive test for synthetic testosterone.

But in changing tack, the 34-year-old accused several fellow riders in a series of emails to cycling and anti-doping officials detailing his own doping history.

Armstrong said he had been expecting as much.

“I’d say I am a little surprised but I am not,” he said.

He sounded unconcerned, adding: “It’s our word against his word. I like our word. We like our credibility.

“Floyd lost his credibility a long time ago.”

Landis said his own use of performance-improving substances dates back to 2002 when he rode for the US Postal Service team and continued when he moved to Phonak in 2005.

Landis’ claims will now be investigated by both the United States and world anti-doping agencies.