Showdown in Leadville!
According to the Associated Press, embattled Tour de France winner Floyd Landis will compete in a 100-mile mountain bike race in Colorado.
The Leadville Trail 100 in August will mark Landis' return to off-road racing, which he left in 1998 to focus on road racing.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to my roots. Training for Leadville will be great preparation for a return to the Tour de France," Landis said in a statement Tuesday.
Seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong has also expressed an interest in competing in the event next summer.
After winning the Tour de France, Landis' urine samples were tested and found to contain an elevated testosterone to epitestosterone ratio. Tour organizers say they no longer consider him the champion, though Landis denies doping and plans to contest the results at U.S. arbitration hearings.
If found guilty of doping, he would be formally stripped of the title and face a two-year ban. UCI rules add to that ban an additional two-year exclusion from ProTour events. Landis recently conceded that his career would be over if he fails to successfully challenge the test result.
Currently recovering from hip surgery, Landis said he expects his body will be ready for the rigors of off-road racing.
The race is scheduled for August 11. The course starts at over 10,000 feet of elevation and peaks at 12,600 feet, with several steep climbs and ascents. The event is not sanctioned by NORBA, an affiliate of USA Cycling, and not subject to comply with international suspensions handed out by the UCI.
**
Hoppas att Ned kommer och att han vinner.
The Leadville Trail 100 in August will mark Landis' return to off-road racing, which he left in 1998 to focus on road racing.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to my roots. Training for Leadville will be great preparation for a return to the Tour de France," Landis said in a statement Tuesday.
Seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong has also expressed an interest in competing in the event next summer.
After winning the Tour de France, Landis' urine samples were tested and found to contain an elevated testosterone to epitestosterone ratio. Tour organizers say they no longer consider him the champion, though Landis denies doping and plans to contest the results at U.S. arbitration hearings.
If found guilty of doping, he would be formally stripped of the title and face a two-year ban. UCI rules add to that ban an additional two-year exclusion from ProTour events. Landis recently conceded that his career would be over if he fails to successfully challenge the test result.
Currently recovering from hip surgery, Landis said he expects his body will be ready for the rigors of off-road racing.
The race is scheduled for August 11. The course starts at over 10,000 feet of elevation and peaks at 12,600 feet, with several steep climbs and ascents. The event is not sanctioned by NORBA, an affiliate of USA Cycling, and not subject to comply with international suspensions handed out by the UCI.
**
Hoppas att Ned kommer och att han vinner.
