Tour de France winner Floyd Landis denies doping charges

Landis appeared at a news conference in Madrid and denied any allegations that his incredible Tour victory was aided by illegal means. The American addressed the crowd, stating, “I would like to make absolutely clear that I am not in any doping process.” This comes less than a week after Landis’ drug sample revealed what the UCI described as “an unusual level of testosterone/epitestosterone”

As the governing body of international cycling, the UCI notified Landis’ team, Phonak, and he was suspended.

Speaking in a clear and determined voice Landis defended himself saying “I declare convincingly and categorically that my winning the Tour de France has been exclusively due to many years of training and my complete devotion to cycling.”

Proving that levels of testosterone are artificially enhanced is difficult due to the fact it is a natural substance found in the body. Landis has been taking cortisone shots for an ailing hip. The Tour champion also has a thyroid condition that is treated with small levels of a hormone.

With a second test already requested and the results expected within 72 hours a lot can change for the man that has been hailed as a hero for his courage and determination.

If his B sample coincides with the first test Landis is facing a four year ban and possibly being stripped of the Tour title.