Irregular Report 26

Here and There
Tenacious T, competing at the Track Nationals, saw Landis among the few spectators on day 1 and got a picture.

awesome photo by Tenacious T

Pez says the Landis-linked formerly-HealthNet team will be on Kuota's next year. The Italian designed/Taiwan (Martec) manufactured bikes were #2 at the Kona 2007 triathlon, and have high bling quotient. Not much high-end pro visibility yet, their largest previous sponsorship being of Agritubel. Kuota doesn't appear to be a step down from the Cannondale's the team had been riding, with good road and TT offerings.

Rant writes of two recent "bouncebacks", the "lucky" TBV's and Floyd Landis'. According to Rant Landis may have to redefine "vindication" for himself by the elimination of that $100,000 fine. At this point that would probably go a long way. Both surely qualify as "sagas". Well, maybe not TBV's. There are only so many stanzas can you get out of, "Car and bike collided / bike and rider lost."

Skatey-mark thinks Floyd Landis might need to take his "case" to the Swiss courts since he might not find satisfaction here. Let's wait for some real information before leaping to conclusions.



Sports by Joe notes the return of "Crazy Floyd Landis". Nope, cycling is certainly NOT boring.

Ryan met and socialized with Floyd Landis recently, but didn't say if he had enjoyed himself. How could you not?

An emailer sent some pictures from last weekend's "Save a Limb" ride with Landis and Bob Roll.

Landis looks thin behind those Elvis shades.

Bobke always has a few words to say.
Holding the mike and the hat might have been constraining.

Outside All Day, working with the Ride Clean Team, is still convinced Landis didn't do it.

When it's out of you, it's beautiful Dept.

After waiting much of the day to get my CT scan done, the trauma doc looked at the results, rushed into my room and said it was time to pull this out of my chest.

The J hook part is stuck inside you. The outside part goes to the drain box that holds the "stuff" that comes out. The box has a tube to the suction port in the wall. This is the second box; the first one got full at 2100cc and was replaced.

The doc undoes the stitches that make sure it doesn't pull out on its own, and puts aside some suture material he'd left partly stitched at the time of installation. He tells you to exhale and hold your breath.

Ready?

He rips the tube out like he's starting a chainsaw -- one hand on the rope, and the other on the body to have something to push against.

Then he jams a tube patch gooey bandage into the hole, and pulls tight the stitch he had left undone to close and seal it to keep air from leaking back into the now drained cavity.

You can breathe now.

I should be going home tomorrow morning, after an X-ray to make sure there are no air leaks. To make sure the hole heals and doesn't leak, the advice is basically "don't do anything strenuous for a month."

A week after the incident, the bruising at region of impact was way, way down. That's the drain tube hanging down out of the bandage above.

And when it was over, I had the most marvelous meal anyone had ever had.

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Our New Kit

Packed with as many logos as a Pro Bike, our newest piece of kit comes in a range of capabilities. Taking a clue from the Cycling Biz, a recent innovation has been bold, new, large and EASY TO READ GRAPHICS!



The informative brochure fairly screams: "don't use this at home." On the other hand, they come industrially packed in crates of six for bulk consumption.

We also look forward to our visits by the GE AMX-IV, manned by the tag team of Alphonse and Gaston, who verify daily that the spleen is still holding, Cap'n. These now appear to be vintage machines, maintained by enthusiasts.

We are less impressed by the Whitehall Swivette, which, while space-saving, has a number of practical complications for the one-legged and one-armed which we will leave to your imagination.

We have finally learned one lesson. When the RN says, "ask for help to get up to go to the bathroom, or I'll alarm the bed," she might mean it. It's better to graciously let her help than to always make a stand on principles.

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Landis Goes to the Feds

Update: Phone calls reveal the case was filed with the US District Court, Central District of California, Riverside on 3:20 PM Sep 25th, as case # CV08-06330 PA (CWx). First appearances are scheduled for 11/03/08 at 1:30pm in Courtroom 15. The papers are still not on PACER, which may take a few days. The case has been assigned to District Judge Percy Anderson and Magistrate Judge Carla Woehrle. Further filings will go to the Western Division at 312 N Spring St, room G-8, Los Angeles.


As reported by Bonnie Ford at ESPN, Landis has filed a suit in US Federal Court to vacate the CAS award. We don't yet see it in the PACER system, and so don't have a copy of the complaint we can publish, with a case number. If it was filed Friday, it might not turn up until Monday. Until then, we have Ford's report and a discussion over at rec.bicycles.racing, where some first pass issues are raised.

Ford says the core of the complaint deals with conflicts of interests by the arbitrators that were not, and should have been disclosed, particularly betwenn USADA counsel and WADA Code Author Richard Young, and Landis selection, Jan Poulsson. This includes "rotating roles" in different cases. Apparently the extent of the revolving door has only been apparent with some recent releases of case information by CAS.

Ford also reports a sticking point is the award of $100,000, which Landis claims was not properly argued before the panel as a matter of dispute.

Mr. Young's comment to Ford was that the only avenue of appeal is Swiss Court, and this always fails. Without access to the suit, we can't say what controlling law is being claimed by Landis, or how he is going to argue past the difficult venue and jurisdiction requirements.

RBR has some pointed conversation on these issues, but without the substance that will let us gain any real insight. It will suffice to say that some are saying Lawyers are wasting "Fraud's" money again, and that he doesn't stand a chance. Others would like to see some details before making judgment.

We don't know at this point ourselves. Getting past summary motions when trying to review an arbitration award is a big hurdle. We hope trying doesn't annoy potential sponsors for next year.

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Accident Report

The intrepid TBV writes the following report on his recent accident from his hospital bed. It should answer some questions readers have asked, and illustrate what a lucky guy TBV is, despite his injuries.


"It's only a flesh wound!", said the Black Knight.

Near our house is a third mile long 10-15% slope hill that I often use for intervals. Almost at the bottom of the steepest part the road goes under a freeway overpass with a ramp on the short side. Cars coming the other way, up the hill , will make an uncontrolled left turn onto the ramp across your left to right as you ride downhill.

On the far side of the underpass there is an off ramp with a stop sign. Cars can turn right or left, crossing the downhill lane.

There is one traffic lane on each side with a wide curb lane which is not marked as a bike lane. The hill is steep enough that jamming bike brakes will not stop you until you pass the off ramp, unless of course you are riding the brakes all the way down which is rarely called for by conditions. You have the right of way from all of the ramp traffic.

I am always concerned about this stretch. There is ample opportunity for a inattentive driver to kill you, the cyclist. I wear bright kit, helmet, and lights at dusk. I have planned what I would do if a tricky situation should arise. Should a car cross your path, there are four choices. One, brake and hope to stop. This choice is impractical on a bike on this kind of hill. Second, go into the car head on, not advised. Third, try to go around the front of the car hoping your speed is greater than the car's acceleration. This is a gamble, and if you lose, you are in front of a vehicle accelerating either up the hill, or onto the on ramp. I have decided to do the 4th choice as policy. Ride out of the curb lane onto the edge of the traffic lane and for visibility try to preserve maneuvering options. Also should it arise, attempt to pass behind the vehicle rather than in front of it.

On my Wednesday lunch interval session I had done 3 up, and was going down a 4th time. I was sitting up, not tucked, with my hands on the brake hoods. As I approached the on ramp, I saw the SUV roll out of the off ramp without seeing me. I started braking to put a plan in action, and began to turn right to go behind the vehicle. Alas, only then was I seen. As is the proverbial deer in the headlights, the SUV driver stopped moving forward. (had I been a car, the right thing would clearly have been to gun it to get out if the way)

The result of braking and turning was my running into the back left corner of the SUV at an angle, not head on. I felt as though my left hip hit first, then at some point my helmet shattered the cargo window. The final inanimate score was rider: broken window, car: broken new carbon frame. (but not fork or wheels from what I have heard.)

It doesn't look like I have anything that won't heal. The list sounds worse than it probably is considering the severity of each:

1. Broken left clavicle, not displaced, no intervention needed.
2. At least three fractured vertebrae, not displaced.
3. At least three cracked ribs
4. Partially punctured and collapsed left lung, requiring drainage and stay at the hospital
5. Bruised spleen, which appears stable but is being watched carefully.

Anything could easily have been much worse. Not the least of which is that someone got her cell number from me and called Mrs. TBV. She was told that I was conscious and in good care before she got off at the ramp to see me in her worst nightmare.

The driver was distraught, for good reason. I have gotten excellent handling and treatment, and have nothing but thanks for the help and support people have shown me. Unfortunately, this will cancel my participation in the Mt. Diablo challenge part of the triathalon which was to have take place Sunday next week. I had been preparing to crush my 1:28 PR of last year, having done a 1:16 the other day. I was also gonna do the "death valley century" at the end of the month, which is now ruled out. I will be back riding.

Thanks, everyone!

TBV

[Updates: mid-stay, going home, back home]

A few things from here and there

In an update at ESPN Bonnie D. Ford writes that one of the reasons Floyd Landis has filed a motion in the US Federal courts to vacate the CAS decision that went againat him is that he wants the $100,000.00 fine imposed upon him by the panel eliminated. Apparently USADA has informed Landis that he can plan no return to cycling when his suspension ends in January unless and until this fine is paid:

"The arbitrators based their $100,000 cost award on unsworn statements by USADA's lawyer after the close of the evidence, denying Mr. Landis a right to respond," the motion stated. "In addition, the cost award was outside the scope of the arbitrators' power because the issue of costs had not been formally submitted for decision, and because such an award is not contemplated by the rules governing the proceeding."

VeloNews reports Frank Schleck is now under scrutiny for his association with the infamous Dr. Fuemtes.

LAist reviews the "Bigger, Stronger, Faster" DVD in which Floyd Landis is interviewed about PEDs. In case you never managed to get to one of the few theaters which showed the film you will able to buy the DVD on Tuesday when it is scheduled to be released.

Felipe had the chance to ride with "down to earth" dude Floyd Landis recently. He provides a picture to commemorate the event.

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Irregular Report 25

Recent cycling vs car accidents have crowded cycling blogs with all too much frequency. Unfortunately this ugly trend has hit very close to home with the injury of TBV last night in such an accident. He is resting comfortably in the hospital and may be off the bike for a while. If you ride, be vigilant, if you drive please watch out for riders, they are so vulnerable. Updates will follow.

Here and There
ESPN's Bonnie Ford reveals that Floyd Landis has filed a lawsuit in Federal Court over the recent CAS decision that went against him:

Suspended cyclist Floyd Landis has taken the unusual step of challenging his doping conviction, stepping outside the anti-doping adjudication system to try to prove in U.S. federal court that his case was not fairly heard by a sports arbitration panel.

Lawyers from firms in California and Texas filed a motion late Thursday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles to vacate the arbitrators' award in Landis' appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport last July.

The lawyers did so on the grounds that the three men on the panel -- including the arbitrator Landis chose -- should have disclosed conflicts of interest that could have led to bias in their decision.

Rant could have written about lots of things tonight, but he chose instead to write of the dangers that cyclists face on the roads every day. He wrote about one cyclist in particular who is in lots of folk's thoughts right now, TBV.

Pommi sends his good wishes for a speedy recovery to TBV. Thanks Pommi.

The CyclingNews writes of Dick Pound's dissatisfaction with Lance Armstrong's comeback and proposed association with anti-doping expert Don Catlin. It's just not enough for Mr. Pound who has an elephantine memory.

Jen and Oli on the Loose had quite the "pub crawl" recently with Floyd Landis in Alabama. Jen and Floyd were "best friends of the night" and Jen talked to locals into letting Floyd sing "Sweet Home Alabama". Anyone got that on youtube?

Save a Limb Ride Don't forget that Floyd Landis and the ubiquitous Bob Roll will be participating in this year's ""Save a Limb Ride" which will take place on Sunday, September 28th near Baltimore, Maryland.

Rant notes the official return of LA. and wonders about the roll Don Carlin will play in this seemingly never ending saga.

Racejunkie also writes about the return of the "king" noting that "baby" Contador may have changed his tune.

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Irregular Report 24

Here and There
Velo Vortmax finds the time after a long hiatus to comment extensively on the Landis/CAS decision which he considers an abject injustice. He criticizes Christaine Ayotte in particular and the CAS panel in general not only for its decision, but also for the prejudicial manner in which it was rendered:

The CAS Panel condemned Maurice Suh, Dr. Davis, et al., in a vicious written attack as attempting to undermine the current anti-doping crusade by introduction of trivial objections to LNDD and WADA testing protocol. In this matter the CAS Panel could and must be considered irresponsible as every person, even athletes, enjoy due process protections and an opportunity to present their defense by experienced professionals. It is a requirement of any defense in doping arbitration hearings to attack sloppy laboratory work, incompetence, mistakes, anything that might have caused the Adverse Analytical Finding, especially when any one factor or combination of factors probably did cause the Adverse Analytical Finding; as did happen in the Floyd Landis case. Floyd Landis' defense of his innocence should have been praised by the CAS Panel not condemned. This is inexcusable and sets a bad precedent for other accused athletes who which to defend their honor from senseless predatory defamation and bad laboratory science. The CAS Panel should be ashamed of their conduct and apologize to Mr. Floyd Landis and his defense team now.

Rant draws some possible parallels between reports of problems with untested theories of lead analysis at an FBI crime lab and the WADA anti-doping facilities cycling depends on to test its athletes.

Racejunkie writes about the "brave new world" that is testing for PEDs at the Tour de France, and after its long over. Think you tested "negative"? Think again. And much to the relief of the "seniors" at the UCI, Viagra has been deemed "legal".

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Irregular Report 23

The Tour keeps giving...
The AP says the AFLD is doing more tests of tour samples of riders it considers "suspicious". Blood samples from riders that had abnormal but not positive urine CERA tests have been retrieved from the Lausanne lab and sent to the AFLD lab at Chatenay Malabry for analysis. We're of mixed reactions to this. Jerking folks around months after the end of the event is annoying, but this doesn't seem as bad as the lab-shopping that happened to Heras. These are still the "A" samples, and WADA world can do pretty much anything it wants with A's, and we're not opposed to testing and catching cheats -- as long as it is done correctly. Reasonable people can have quite different views of what "correct" means in that context. The AP piece also runs down other tour testing results -- we don't remember Moises Duenas, and the clearing of Jimmy Caspar should say something about Armstrong's "chamois cream" incident. We note that Piepoli's denial of the confession reported in Spanish media is missing.

Here and There
Rant writes about the dq given Canadian parathlete Jeff Adams at the Paralympics in Beijing, and refers readers to Bonnie Ford's recent article about Floyd Landis' possible post-suspension return to cycling.

The CyclingNews also refers to Bonnie Ford's article about Floyd Landis without citing the source of his quotes used in the piece.

Racejunkie feels Johan Bruyneel has some big decisions to make on team leadership, and really "comeback kid" Floyd Landis doesn't owe us anything RJ, but it's nice to be thought of by someone.

The Roid Report's Gary Gaffney covers all his possible descriptive bases when he cites the potential return of Floyd Landis and refers to him as the "2006 non Tour de France winner/loser Floyd Landis".

The Sports Complex notes with some ambivalence Landis' possible return, laughing at the Tour of Missouri.

Cornbread & Shiftin' competed at Pepper Place, and got photos with Landis. There's race photos here, too.

TKP writes about his ride with "nice guy" tdf champ Floyd Landis on Saturday, and after he describes the law profession in no uncertain terms he relates what sounds like a great ride in Birmingham. tkp went out and bravely tried to stay ahead of Landis, with the usual results:

I was caught and the sat in on Floyd's wheel again until the last hill on Ruffner, where once over the top, Floyd came past me like a G5 passing a private single-engine, and eventually I lost sight of him, for good.

Below is a shot from tkp's blog where he is pictured with a very fit looking Floyd Landis.




Velo Cadence was also on the Saturday ride, and promises more:

I took pictures of him getting ready to ride the beach cruiser race. He had a passenger on the back. I will post the picture as soon as I upload it.

which he's done, saying Landis finished mid-pack in the Cruiser race.

Sharing the ride may have been a bad tactical choice.
(Photo: Velo Cadence).

J2d has some other pictures.

Active.com's Bruce Hildenbrand sits the pot of controversy by asking how people feel about comebacks by Landis and Hamilton.

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Irregular Report 22

ESPN's Bonnie Ford talked with Landis about his and Lance's comebacks. The HealthNet/Momentum deal isn't finalized because of sponsorship issues.

Here and There
Floyd Landis was in Birmingham, AL yesterday for the Pepper Place Crits. He also represented Smith and Nephew ---who sponsored the crits--- and participated in a ride there with about 100 other mostly supportive cyclists.

The Birmingham News finally gets a comment from Landis on the ongoing negotiations that may land him at Health Net after his suspension ends January 31:

"It's not solidified yet but it was announced before I had a chance to get everything organized," he said Saturday. "I'm going to be racing again next year. I'm not sure which races I'll do but I'll start most likely with the Tour of California in February."

On the possibility that when he comes returns to competition he will be the target of even greater drug testing scrutiny:

Landis said it really doesn't matter to him if he is a greater target of tests because of his failed tests following the 2006 stage race in France. "I race because I enjoy doing it," he said. "It's been my life for the last 15 years so what other people think really is of no importance to me."

Finger Food has an informed piece about Landis' likely return, with sensible reasoning.

On the other hand, Cynic Central has a message:

Hey Floyd Landis, no one missed you. Don’t mistake the interest and enthusiasm over Lance Armstrong’s impending comeback as an indication that people want your lying, cheating, steroid-ing ass back in the cycling game.

Great news, Pommi is back on his bike! TBV's post-crash return to Diablo yesterday was a 1:23. Bad news for Pommi who feels that Diablo will be an event he volunteers for rather than rides in.

Brickhouseracing was at the Pepper Place Crits yesterday in Alabama where someone talked Floyd Landis into being a "podium boy". Photographic evidence below.

Floyd Landis, "podium boy".

Roadcx also rode in the Pepper Place events with frustrating results, and a fun ride with Landis got canceled.

Crux Cycling did catch onto one of Landis' group rides, and thought his pedaling was effortless. It usually is, when riding with regular humans at 15 mph.

Cat5 JPS runs down some notable cycling injuries, including the disintegrating hip.

In comments at Rant, Luc tells of a visit to Ventoux, where he rented a bike with 27 gears, of which 26 proved unnecessary. TBV might have used 4 on Diablo Sunday, the big ring being useless baggage. A couple of more tubes would have been handy - the second ascent was aborted due to flat.

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Irregular Report 21

To read about the rumored comeback of Floyd Landis see Landis to HealthNet-Maxxis (Maybe). No NEW news on that front as of this morning.

Here and There
The CyclingNews writes about the scientific debate surrounding Lance Armstrong. Did he or didn't he, that IS apparently the point in question.

One reader note in CyclingNews' letters column wonders if doping actually works.

TwoFiveFix says you can ride with Floyd Landis today, if you're in Birmingham, Alabama that is. TwoFive might have found a more appropriate picture.

Rant writes mostly about the "soap opera" that IS the cycling "comeback trail" what with Armstrong and Landis rumors flying aplenty. There has GOT to be a Fox reality series in there somewhere.

Racejunkie seems particularly incensed today, and really why not? She does give Patrik Sinkewitz some sage advice on how to make a post-doping comeback.

Marty Dugard digs up some of his own excrement, and rolls around in it.

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Landis to Health Net-Maxxis (maybe)

Some notes...
A lot of comment seems to think that Landis is acting in reaction to Armstrong in some way, which is preposterous, when you think about it. Lance's choice is pretty much a bolt from the blue, where Landis has been training and planning what he'd be able to do ever since the case at CAS was concluded.


The IHT/AP confirms rumors that Floyd Landis is in negotiations with Health Net-Maxxis . Landis himself did not return calls or emails to reporters, but team director Mike Tamayo confirmed negotiations are ongoing:

"We are in negotiations with Floyd Landis to ride for the team in 2009, but we do not as of yet have a signed contract," team director Mike Tamayo said at the Tour of Missouri on Wednesday.


Landis' suspension ends Jan. 30, 2009, and it's no surprise that the 32-year-old cyclist intends to come back. Since his positive test rocked the cycling world in 2006, he has been on the sideline, fighting and losing the case at every level, trying to make ends meet and seeking a return.

Floyd Landis' hometown newspaper,Lancaster Online, also writes about his possible return to competitive road cycling. Attempts to get comment from Landis and/or his parents have thus far been unsuccessful.

Even though the rumors have not been confirmed by Health Net or anyone connected with Landis, The CyclingNews this morning says that Floyd Landis has signed with them for next year:

USA's Floyd Landis, 32, will make his return to professional cycling after a two-year suspension with the team currently sponsored by Health Net-Maxxis, under a new title sponsor for 2009, sources confirmed with Cyclingnews. The team, run by Momentum Sports Group, has also re-signed many of its current riders, including two-time NRC champion Rory Sutherland, current USA cyclo-cross champion Tim Johnson and Karl Menzies.

The Smith and Nephew connection to this possible signing remains speculative:

"I cannot confirm or deny it," said Momentum's sponsorship director, Thierry Attias, regarding Landis' signing. However numerous other sources familiar with the team confirmed that the agreement is in place, with the new title sponsor's agreement forthcoming. Sources have said the new sponsor is from the health care industry. This aligns with current speculation that Smith & Nephew, makers of Landis' artificial hip and sponsor of his mountain bike endurance racing, is a possible title sponsor.

PEZ says it is a two-year contract, which is something of a surprise to us. Necessary to secure sponsorship?

Potholes and Roadapples comments on the Landis to Health Net-Maxxis story published in the CyclingNews this AM.

Shut Up and Go Ride also writes about the possible Landis to Health Net story.

Biking Bis is over the alleged signing of Floyd Landis to the Health Net-Maxxis cycling team. Thanks for the blurb.

Powered By Poptarts says, "Welcome Back, Floyd!"

Simply Palaver, on the other hand, says, "who cares?" Well, there's readers here, for a few.

The Unofficial Jens Voight Fanclub says, "good for him, he'll get to test out that bionic hip "

Scott Bergen says of the Tour:

Floyd Landis will be eligible to ride in it after his two year ban will have expired. I still feel that Landis was innocent of the charges levied against him but a dramatic storyline will be if a team will take a shot at hiring him, if he was able to keep his form and competitive edge, and if his replacement hip will allow him to ride on form.

More likely he'll prove himself on the domestic circuit before the Euro-centric teams take a chance.

Sightline Daily ref's Landis's 232w average at the tour in an article that explains why riding on the road instead of in a car is "greener" than trying to coax electricity out of stationary bikes at a gym.

Ride Hard Keep the Wheels down (good advice we shoulda remembered), heard about Lance and looked into the other "L" Landis and remains dubious, having come upon the Berry article.

Being the armchair cyclist unfortunately provides the position of judge, jury & executioner. As such probably alot of people have already dropped their hammer in a way the doesn't favor Floyd.

...

[J]ust read it for what it's worth ..... and as I read in another article you might wonder if Floyd got Richard Kimbled (reference... Harrision Ford, The Fugitive) in this one.

For the record, Landis has never been quoted as uttering the phrase "one armed man" in the context of his case.

Bicycle.net, now rarely putting out the tastelessly funny illustrations, has its own confirmations of Landis to HealthNet, and starts referring to the team in the sponsor-less form of Momentum. For old times' sake, it shows us Stage 17 video. It also runs a piece on L and L, saying of Floyd:

So apparently he’s coming back to team Healthnet-Maxxis, which will be called something else by the time he arrives. The team apparently has a new title-sponsor but has yet to unwrap the name for us. Rumors are that it is the company that built Floyd’s artificial hip. Whatever.

The main curiosity, perhaps, will be whether this team remains a domestic Pro team, racing primarily in U.S. events (ala Tyler Hamilton with Rock Racing), or whether they will use Landis as the launchpad to compete in major European races.

To gain an early view as to how this might play out, we’ll watch carefully which riders announce in coming weeks and months that they’re signing on with the team temporarily known as Healthnet-Maxxis.

It’s safe to say his return will not have the repercussions for the sport that Lance’s return will have. It has more of a return-of-Tyler Hamilton feel to it. The sport will have back another of its black-hats, but one we can’t help but like. He’s done his time, so we can quit debating whether he did the crime. We wish him all the best luck back in the peloton.

We might hope for that general reception, but there are a lot of people who do carry a grudge...

For example, the Smack Caster talks smack about Landis' possible return. Odds and Sods too. And the Money Sack looks back and says:

The low point in my blogging career happened a few months back when I spent an entire day on Floyd Landis. I hated myself for it and you all hated me even more.

(That would be July 1st, where he gave Landis the middle finger. The feeling is probably mutual.)

Racejunkie, master of the run-on sentence, thanks us for passing the news (which we didn't break, and remain cautious) about Landis, and says,

[T]he likely post-ban return of kangaroo-courted lab-chimp victim Floyd Landis with American squad HealthNet Maxxis, while, if not quite his old gig at Phonak, sure gives us broke-!@# US-bound saps a chance to see some riders worth watching.

So, that's what it all was -- a cunning plan to beef up the talent on the domestic schedule for the benefit of us Pabst drinking spectators. Thanks!

Connexions isn't for Armstrong, and thinks all doping bans should be for life, and so isn't pleased about Landis.


EverymanTri is having a poll asking who will win if both Landis and Lance show up at the '09 Tour. We'll take "this is a silly question."

The IOL (South Africa) turns the routine AFP wire reports into something extra with a headline that speculates whethere Landis will join Armstrong's team. The Telegraph (UK) does the same thing. (Look for joint ownership). Don't hold your breath on that one, unless someone offers Landis a boatload of money.

Bicycle World writes,

Landis on the other hand has everything to lose. He has a family to feed, a reputation to rebuild and demons to exercise. Win and Floyd gets the opportunity to prove the system wrong. The system that took what should have been the best year of his life and brought it to a skidding halt. Lose and he will forever hear “I told you so”.

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Irregular Report 20

No Landis Headlines for a While, Dept...

Everybody is going to be talking Lance, Lance, Lance...

Velonews passes on pointers to the Vanity Fair article making the announcement: Lance is saying he's coming back. God help us if there is testing issue. We will not be covering any case that may arise. There will be no shortage of others to take up that cause, should it come to the fore.

Slate has an interesting old article on Douglas Brinkley, the author of the Vanity Fair piece, and chosen Boswell. Imagine, if you can, Armstrong selecting the litererary executor of Hunter Thompson as his mouthpiece. Things are about to get weird, if you ask us.

Here and There
Hot on the heels of the Armstrong rumors comes renewed speculation about the future of Floyd Landis.

Bonnie D Ford at ESPN writes about the rumored return of Lance Armstrong which will allegedly, and perhaps appropriately, be revealed in Vanity Fair of all places. Bonnie manages to get in a few words about Floyd Landis' future as well:

Dethroned Tour winner Floyd Landis is eligible to compete next January and reportedly team shopping, his doping-related exile over. Rock Racing's Tyler Hamilton, banned for two years for blood doping he continues to deny, will be wearing the Stars and Stripes jersey of the national road champion after outfoxing the field to win in a photo finish a couple of weeks ago.

ESPN/AP also posts Astana's denials that Armstrong will ride for them any time soon. With Lance's recent penchant for actresses this may all turn into a reality/soap before we know it.

Racejunkie has lots to spew about this morning, not the least of which is the Armstrong "will he or won't he" rumors, but she saves her best and last for her sadness over the retiring Bobby Julich.

The New Common Sense ponders Floyd Landis' possible comeback as he speculates about the Armstrong rumors.

ArchPundit wonders if Dick Pound's head will explode with all of the talk about a possible Arnstrong comback and speculation that Floyd Landis is "team shopping".

Lij is hoping Landis can make it to the '09 Tour and kick Armstrong's ass.

Rant looks at Armstrong, and wishes him well. He also looks at the Paralympics, now being held in Beijing. Jeff Adams' heats in the 1500 wheelchair are coming up; there is a reported AAF; and the USOC funding doesn't compare well, to say, Canada. It's not a money maker, and The Games are a Business, after all.

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Irregular Report 19

Here and There
Rant posts the eagerly awaited Part 2 of his interview with Valparaiso Sports Law Clinic professor Mike Straubel. Straubel comments on Richard Young in particular and the CAS/USADA/AAA systems of arbitration, in which there are seemingly some instances of "conflict of interest," in general:

Straubel: And that’s been a criticism long made of the CAS system and the USADA/AAA panel system. It needs rules that keep people from crossing over and performing functions that are seemingly contradictory. I’ve actually written a law review article [Rant’s Note: It’s 70 pages long but well worth the time.] that talks about this a little bit because I’ve noticed that a lot of times, particularly in CAS hearings someone will in one situation will appear as an advocate and then a little bit later appear as an arbitrator. And you have to wonder if that doesn’t affect the way in which they decide cases, and the way in which they argue cases.

Straubel then goes on to discuss the dim prospects of any athlete who may be innocent getting a fair shake within the process:

I guess I have to qualify that in a couple of ways. The first one is the notion of strict liability, which is the foundation of the World Anti-Doping Code. [Strict liability] is going to result in a lot of athletes who accidentally, unintentionally ended up with some banned substances in their systems [being sanctioned]. So, in that sense, athletes who have no intent to cheat are going to be found guilty of a doping violation and punished.

As far as an athlete who tests positive and actually didn’t have anything in their system, I think that the incidence of that happening is gradually being reduced. But I think it’s being reduced largely because there are people that are pushing the system and telling why they really have got to make sure you’re doing it right. The biggest danger, and the Landis case kind of points out, is different standards of quality at the labs. There are some labs out there that are just a lot better than others. And the rule that says the As and Bs have to be tested at the same lab, I think needs to be changed. I think they need to have the A sample done at one lab and the B sample done at another.

Meanwhile...
Tongues are wagging with a rumor Armstrong is plotting a comeback, to shut up the critics, perhaps. The Boulder Report talks about it, and what a hard time he'll have with it--- and cites his perplexity with our comparison of Garmin/Sliptream's data with the Landis data as an example of why posting test data is unlikely to help prove Armstrong's case. And imagine the fun if one of Armstrong's tests should ever be reported "suspicious."

Seem dubious to us, and we'll believe it when we see him line up. This might be as real as his hour record attempt.

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Irregular Report 18

Podium in Sight continues the Landis/HealthNet rumors as part of a rundown on almost all the American Pro-continental and Continental teams.

Scotland on Sunday whines about Rock Racing's appearance at the Tour of Britain with Hamilton, Botero, and Sevilla. It also says Landis is likely to sign with Rock, which says a lot about the quality of research.

ARStechnica reports on a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine about heavy mental effort causing glycemic instability. Translated: people who are thinking hard want to eat more. We think this says something about unexpected physiological responses to stress, and why mentally tuning out on a hard ride might be a good thing physically -- if not so good tactically.

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Irregular Report 17

Here and There
The Save-A-Limb Fund announces its third annual ride, carnival, and picnic for later this month in which Floyd Landis and Bob Roll will participate. The ride will take place on Sunday September 28th at Oregon Ridge Park near Baltimore Maryland. The Save-A-Limb Fund at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics at Sinai Hospital is a non-profit organization whose goal is the advancement of patient care and support in the fight to preserve joints and prevent limbs from amputation. Those with real fund raising skills can attend a special dinner on the 27th:

Register today and raise $500 to be invited to a special recognition dinner featuring Floyd Landis & Bob Roll on Saturday, September 27th at 6:30pm!!! Every $500 you raise equals one ticket to this special reception at The Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore. Come and dine with Tour de France cyclists and enjoy an evening with the doctors who make miracles happen everyday at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics.

Urban Velo is all over the announcement of the Save-A-Limb bike ride with Floyd Landis and big Bob Roll.

There's a bunch of good comments to Part I of Rant's interview with Straubel. We're looking forward to Part II.


Reuters notes that Marion Jones is out of jail, her six-month sentence served.


O'Grady's formerly foaming rant at Velonews offers this advice to cyclists:

Stick to what you know, which mostly involves spinning your expensively shod feet in furious circles for hours on end and complaining about things, like the entry fee, the size and depth of the prize list, and how you’d be racing in Europe instead of this crappy industrial park if everybody but you weren’t on dope.

Because, as we know, Everyone Faster Than Me Is Doping (EFTMID) is a widely held belief

GeneBall revisits the Landis story. Of all the things in the case, feels the need to complain about the grammar in Arnie Baker's slide show.

Daily Sports Chat leaps from Marion Jones to Landis, and thinks maybe table tennis is clean. We think that is as likely as in any highly aerobic sport.

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Irregular Report Sweet 16

Cycling Fan's Anonymous is reporting Landis was at the USPro championships, spending a lot of time with HealthNet boss Gregory Raifman. The team is looking for new sponsorship, and CFA speculates that Landis' personal sponsor Smith and Nephew may be on a list of four that the team is speaking with. We've heard earlier that Michael Ball thinks Landis is too pricey for his Rock Racing budget.

If it is HealthNet, Landis wouldn't be targeting Europe for at least the next year, but looking at the domestic calendar.

The PepperPlace Criterium, the Alabama non-pro Championship on Sep 13th, is being sponsored by Smith and Nephew. Landis is being hyped for appearances before, during and after. Back in the public eye he goes.

Powered by Pop Tarts says the inspiration to use the "breakfast food" as cycling fuel came from none other than Arnie Baker who highly recommends them.

CyclingNews says Manolo Saiz is readying for a "comeback" in cycling, thus anything must be possible. Further down, it has officials of the Tour of Germany crowing that they are doing more dope testing than required -- an awesome eight riders per stage instead of the six set down in the rules. That'll deter 'em.

VeloNews reports Levi Leipheimer as the second American, after Floyd Landis, to wear the leaders jersey in the Vuelta.

Potholes and Roadapples notes the grand opening of the hugely expanded Green Mountain Cyclery in Ephrata, PA. Congrats to Mike and Jenn Farrington.

The newly expanded Green Mountain Cyclery.

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