Slovakian rider wins Stage 3 of Tour de California

Slovakian rider wins Stage 3 of Tour de California

The peloton pedal past a windmill farm during Stage 3 of the Tour of California in Tracy, California May 15, 2012.



The peloton climb Mount Diablo during Stage 3 of the Tour of California in Concord, California May 15, 2012.



Riders in the peloton stop for a break during Stage 3 of the Tour of California in Tracy, California May 15, 2012.



Team Liquigas-Cannondale rider Peter Sagan of Slovakia reacts after winning Stage 3 of the Tour of California in Livermore, California May 15, 2012.

(China daily)

Read More

Tony Martin wins first-ever Tour of Beijing

Tony Martin wins first-ever Tour of Beijing

Germany's Tony Martin of the HTC-Highroad team (2nd L) celebrates as the overall winner with runner-up Britain's David Millar (L) of team Garmin-Cervelo and second runner-up British Chris Froome (2nd R) of team Sky Procycling during the awarding ceremony of the first UCI Tour of Beijing cycling race in Beijing, Oct 9, 2011.

BEIJING - Germany's Tony Martin of team HTC-Highroad won the first-ever Tour of Beijing as Russian star Denis Galimzyanov of team Katusha took the last stage on Sunday.

Galimzyanov sprited in the last 500 meters, snatching the fifth stage of 118km from Tian'anmen Square to the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium.

"Of course I am very happy because it is my first victory on the pro tour. I am in good condition and I did my job but today was my last race for the season and to win the race is amazing," Galimzyanov said.

Argentina's Juan Jose Haedo of team Saxo-Bank placed second, followed by Italian Elia Viviani of Liquigas-Cannondale in third.

The German world time-trial champion Martin maintained his lead in overall standing since the first day's time trail, beating British David Millar of Garmin-Cervelo by 17 seconds, while another British Chris Froome of Sky Procycling placed third with nine seconds further back.

"It's been a fantastic year and now is a fantastic week for me, " Martin said.

"It's really nice to have a victory and it makes me so proud to win the first race in Beijing. We had a very strong team and I have to thank them for the win," added Martin.

Ben King of team Radioshacks kept his white jersey (for the young rider classification) he won in Yong Ning on Friday.

"This is really special for me. It is my first World Tour stage race and it has been an incredible experience to have my teammates taking care of me," said the 22-year old American.

Igor Anton of team Eskaltel Euskadis became the King of Mountains with a total of 22 points, beating Lloyd Mondory of team AG2R-La Mondiale by four points.

Sky Procycling topped the overall team classification in 40 hours 58 minutes and 58 seconds, followed by Omega Pharma-Lotto in 40:59:57, and the third place went to Rabobank Cycling team in 41:00:06.

The Tour of Beijing is the first of its kind in Asia. The inaugural Tour of Beijing started and finished at the Olympic Park and included international tourism landmarks such as Tian'anmen Square, the Bird's Nest Stadium, Summer Palace, Great Wall and Ming Tomb Reservoir.

The 2011 Tour of Beijing is the last stage race on the 2011 UCI World Tour calendar, finishing six days before the final event of the season, the one-day Giro di Lombardia (Italy) on October 15.

A pack of riders cycle past Tian'anmen Square during the fifth stage of the first UCI Tour of Beijing cycling race in Beijing, Oct 9, 2011.

Helicopter incident knocks rider out

A low-flying helicopter sent a sign board into the path of Yannick Eijssen and the Belgian rider was knocked out of the Tour of Beijing in the freak incident last Friday.

Eijssen was then hit by a TV motorbike that was following the peloton, his BMC Racing team said.

He suffered facial abrasions in the accident, which occurred in the final descent of the third stage, won by Ireland's Nicolas Roche.

(Xinhua)

Read More

Contador cleared off doping ban by federation

Contador cleared off doping ban by federation

Astana team rider and Tour de France winner Alberto Contador of Spain shows his yellow jersey to the crowd during an official welcoming ceremony in his hometown of Pinto, outside Madrid, July 26, 2010. Contador won the Tour de France for the third time on Sunday.

Three-time Tour de France winner relieved about local body's decision

MADRID - Three-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador said he was "relieved and happy" after Spain's cycling federation reversed an earlier decision and cleared him of knowingly using a banned substance.

However, the International Cycling Union, the sport's world governing body, and the World Anti-Doping Agency have a month to appeal the ruling to the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, which would have the final word.

The 28-year-old's future has hung in the balance since he announced last August he had tested positive for minute traces of the banned substance clenbuterol during last July's Tour de France.

The Spaniard has repeatedly denied knowingly taking any banned substances, blaming the result on a steak he says was contaminated with traces of the muscle-building drug.

The rider's Team Saxo Bank said Spain's cycling federation, the RFEC, decided to clear Contador on Tuesday based on the evidence in the case and the explanation provided by the rider about unknowingly consuming a banned substance.

The decision means Contador is free to compete for the first time for his new team. He will ride in the Tour of Algarve which gets underway on Wednesday in southern Portugal.

The decision marked an about-turn for the federation, whose competition committee last month had recommended a one-year ban for Contador, a ruling that would have stripped him of his 2010 Tour de France title.

"I'm relieved and obviously happy about this ruling. It has been some very stressful months for me, but throughout the case I have been totally available for all inquiries," Contador said after the federation's final ruling was announced.

"All the way through I have spoken in accordance with the truth," he said in a statement distributed by Team Saxo Bank.

The president of the Spanish cycling federation, Juan Carlos Castano, said he was confident the decision would stand up even if there is an appeal.

"We believe the decision which the competition committee has taken is in keeping with the rules so there will be no problem to defend it here, in Switzerland or anywhere," he said.

The rider has drawn high-profile support, including from Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero who said last Thursday "there is no legal reason to sanction Contador".

But the federation head said this had not had any influence on its final decision.

"The competition committee has acted independently, it has acted outside of all these statements," Castano said when asked if the support expressed for Contador from top officials had influenced the federation.

The online edition of daily newspaper El Mundo said the federation "accepted the theory of food contamination and the absence of any blame or negligence, based on article 296" of the International Cycling Union's (UCI) anti-doping regulations.

Spanish cyclist Albert Contador looks on before the start of the Algarve Tour in Faro Feb 16, 2011.

Article 296 effectively states that if a rider can establish that "he bears no fault or negligence, the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility shall be eliminated".

A statement released by the governing body acknowledged the decision, but said: "the UCI reserves the right to conduct an in-depth study of the reasons behind the decision before expressing its opinion".

Contador, who also won the Tour de France in 2007 and 2009, had threatened to quit the sport if he was slapped with a ban.

In an interview recorded for Spanish television before the announcement was made public, Contador said he had hoped the RFEC "would make a U-turn" and said he could never have accepted a suspension.

"When you have done nothing, and my conscience is completely clear, all that matters is that you recognize that you have done nothing, so to accept a year as was proposed was not something that I could accept because there was such a great injustice that I had to fight," he told the VEO7 channel.

Earlier this month, Contador blasted anti-doping regulations which he said were outdated.

Talking to reporters at Madrid airport before flying to Lisbon late on Tuesday, he said he hoped "standards will change" as a result of the case.

{Agence France-Presse}

Read More

Contador faces formal doping investigation

Contador faces formal doping investigation

Cyclist Alberto Contador (L) of Spain gestures beside former cyclist and sports director Jesus Suarez Cueva during the "II Criterium Ciclista Ciudad de Oviedo" cycling race in Oviedo, northern Spain, October 30, 2010. The International Cycling Union (UCI) has asked the Spanish federation to open disciplinary proceedings against Tour de France winner Contador for failing a drugs test, the UCI said on November 8, 2010. Picture taken October 30, 2010.


GENEVA - Tour de France winner Alberto Contador is set to be formally investigated for doping during this year's race.

The International Cycling Union said Monday it had asked the Spanish cycling federation (RFEC) to open a case against the 27-year-old rider who tested positive for banned anabolic agent clenbuterol in the final week of his third Tour victory in July.

The RFEC said in a statement it had received the UCI's request and would follow all established protocols in order to "investigate and resolve all the issues arising from the doping control that was carried out on the cyclist."

If found guilty, Contador would be stripped of the Tour victory and banned for up to two years.

Contador denies doping and says the clenbuterol, which can be used to burn fat and build muscle, came from contaminated meat that he ate.

His spokesman Jacinto Vidarte welcomed confirmation that a case was being opened.

"If this is the news then it means we're on the way to resolving this issue," Vidarte said. "Now it will be time to either sanction or resolve Alberto of the matter."

Contador has threatened to quit the sport, regardless of the outcome of the doping investigation.

"Until the end of the proceedings and despite his provisional suspension, Alberto Contador still benefits from a presumption of innocence," the UCI said in a statement on Monday.

The UCI announced in September that Contador had been provisionally suspended after his urine sample taken on the July 21 rest day contained "very small" traces of the banned substance. It then asked WADA for "scientific support" before proceeding.

"At the end of a long and meticulous inquiry entrusted to highly qualified, WADA-accredited experts, and considering all the information currently in its possession, the UCI has concluded that disciplinary proceedings should be opened against Alberto Contador," the UCI's statement said.

"For additional safety, considering the very low concentration (of clenbuterol) detected, the UCI continued scientific investigations in collaboration with WADA. In particular, it conducted a series of new analyses on all the blood and urine samples taken from the rider in the period in question."

The UCI did not call for Contador to be investigated over alleged high levels of plastic residue found in his race urine sample, which scientists believe can indicate a rider has received a transfusion of his own blood.

Though the UCI tests riders at the Tour, national authorities have responsibility to prosecute doping cases.

If the Spanish federation decides to clear Contador, the UCI and WADA can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Contador won the Tour riding for the Kazakh-backed Astana team, then signed a contract with the Danish Saxo Bank SunGard team.

On Sunday, Saxo Bank team owner Bjarne Riis said in a newspaper interview he believed Contador would be cleared of any doping suspicion.

Riis won the 1996 Tour de France then admitted after retiring that he used the banned drug EPO at the time.

Three-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador of Spain attends a news conference in Herning August 13, 2010.

Tour de France champion Alberto Contador speaks during a news conference at his hometown of Pinto, near Madrid September 30, 2010.

(Agencies)

Read More

Heavy rain delays Hainan cycle race

Heavy rain delays Hainan cycle race

Cyclists compete at the raining 7th stage of 2010 Tour of Hainan from Qiongzhong to Xinglong on Sunday. Kenny van Hummel of the Skil-Shimano team won the stage while Valentin Iglinskiy of the UCI world No 1 pro team, Astana, kept the yellow jersey for six consecutive stages. The previous stage from Haikou to Chengmai was canceled due to the storm.

Danzhou, Hainan – Kenny van Hummel of the Skil-Shimano team won the 7th stage of 2010 cycle Tour of Hainan from Qiongzhong to Danzhou on Sunday by 1 hr 25 min 22 seconds while Valentin Iglinskiy of the UCI world No 1 pro team, Astana, kept the yellow jersey for six consecutive stages.

Iglinskiy is now also the holder of the green jersey as the best rider of the sprint while Arkaitz Duran of the Spain's Footon-Servetto-Fuji team is by far doing best in the mountain race, wearing the polka-dot jersey.

Sunday's race was delayed for about two hours and the start point was switched to Qiongzhong from Chengmai due to heavy rain. The previous stage from Haikou to Chengmai had been canceled due to the storm.

Referees didn't exclude the possibility of canceling the two stages ahead or adjusting the route as the island is suffering some of its worst storms in 50 years, which has forced more than 440,000 residents to be evacuated.

Starting in Sanya last Monday, the race moves counter-clockwise around Hainan Island and passes through 18 cities before finishing in Sanya on Oct 19.

The event, which began in 2006, was upgraded this year from a continental 2.2 classification to 2.HC, an elite men's race one level below Europe's three Grand Tours. The only other Asian races at that level are the Tour of Langkawi in Malaysia and Tour of Qinghai Lake in China.

This year's total prize money is $280,000, thanks to 18 local sponsors, including Timton International hotel and Hainan beer.

Cyclists compete at the raining 7th stage of 2010 Tour of Hainan from Qiongzhong to Xinglong on Sunday.

Cyclists compete at the raining 7th stage of 2010 Tour of Hainan from Qiongzhong to Xinglong on Sunday.

Cyclists compete at the raining 7th stage of 2010 Tour of Hainan from Qiongzhong to Xinglong on Sunday.

Cyclists compete at the raining 7th stage of 2010 Tour of Hainan from Qiongzhong to Xinglong on Sunday.
(Xinhua)

Read More

Road Cycling World Championships in Australia

Road Cycling World Championships in Australia

New Zealand's Linda Serup Villumsen competes in the elite women's time trial at the UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Geelong, 75 km (46 miles) Southwest of Melbourne, Australia, September 29, 2010. The Road Cycling World Championships take place from September 29 to October 3. Villumsen won bronze.

France's Jeannie Longo competes in the elite women's time trial at the UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Geelong, 75 km (46 miles) Southwest of Melbourne, Australia, September 29, 2010.

Amber Neben of the US competes in the elite women's time trial at the UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Geelong, 75km (46 miles) Southwest of Melbourne, Australia, September 29, 2010.

Germany's Marcel Kittel competes in the U23 individual time trial at the UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Geelong, 75km (46 miles) Southwest of Melbourne, Australia, September 29, 2010.

(Agencies)

Read More

Spaniard Contador wins third Tour de France

Spaniard Contador wins third Tour de France

Astana team rider and leader's yellow jersey Alberto Contador of Spain celebrates his overall victory on the podium in Paris after the final 20th stage of the 97th Tour de France cycling race between Longjumeau and Paris July 25, 2010. Contador won the Tour de France for the third time on Sunday.

PARIS, July 25 -- Alberto Contador won his third Tour de France in four years on Sunday.

The 27-year-old Contador sealed his third title by holding off a dramatic challenge from his main rival, Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, in Saturday's individual time trial.

After 3,642 kilometers (2,263 miles) and three weeks of racing over mountains, cobblestones and flats in the Netherlands, Belgium and France, Schleck finished 39 seconds back in second place.

Denis Menchov of Russia was third overall with 2:01 adrift.

Mark Cavendish of Britain claimed his fifth stage victory this Tour and the 15th in his career in a sprint at the end of Sunday's 20th and final stage, a largely ceremonial 102.5-kilometer (63.7- mile) course from Longjumeau to the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

Contador joins Greg LeMond, Louison Bobet and Philippe Thys as a three-time Tour champion. Armstrong is the most successful Tour rider with seven consecutive wins, between 1999 and 2005.

Alessandro Petacchi of Italy captured the green jersey given to the race's top sprinter. He was second in the 20th stage, just ahead of Julian Dean of New Zealand.

Anthony Charteau of France won the polka-dot jersey as the best climber; Schleck takes home the white jersey for being the best young rider for a third straight year, and RadioShack squad won the team competition.

Armstrong completed his last Tour in 23rd place, 39:20 after Contador, his former teammate and rival. It was far away from his third-place finish in 2009 on his return from a four-year retirement.

Armstrong has never tested positive and as he has in the past, again denied any involvement in doping.

Contador sipped champagne during the leisurely ride and held up three fingers to signal his third Tour win. His Astana team was always likely to quash any attempt by Schleck to break away Sunday.

For the second year running, the Tour was free of the doping scandals that plagued three straight editions from 2006 to 2008.

Astana team rider and leader's yellow jersey Alberto Contador of Spain celebrates his victory after the final 20th stage of the 97th Tour de France cycling race between Longjumeau and Paris July 25, 2010. Contador won the Tour de France for the third time on Sunday.

Astana team rider and leader's yellow jersey Alberto Contador of Spain drinks champagne as he cycles during the final 20th stage of the 97th Tour de France cycling race between Longjumeau and Paris July 25, 2010.
(Reuters)

Read More

Cancellara wins 19th stage at Tour de France

Cancellara wins 19th stage at Tour de France

Saxo Bank team rider Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland celebrates on the podium after winning the 19th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Bordeaux and Pauillac, July 24, 2010.

PARIS, July 24 -- Swiss Olympic champion Fabian Cancellara captured his first long time trial on Tour de France in the 19th stage on Saturday.

Saxo Bank time trial specialist Cancellara clocked a winning time of one hour 00 minute 56 seconds on the largely flat but wind-hit course between Bordeaux and Pauillac to push Germany's Tony Martin into second place.

HTC-Columbia rider Martin finished 17 secondss adrift with compatriot and teammate Bert Grabsch in third at one minute 48 seconds.

Although there is one stage remaining on Sunday, it is expected to finish with a bunch sprint on the Champs Elysees with the coveted green jersey still up for grabs.

Spanish defending champion Alberto Contador meanwhile reinforced his grip on the yellow jersey after beating main rival Andy Schleck, Cancellara's teammate, by 31 seconds in the time trial having started with just an eight-second advantage.

The Spaniard will now go into Sunday's final stage with a 39 second lead on the Luxemburger.

(Reuters)

Read More

Fedrigo wins Tour de France 16th stage

Fedrigo wins Tour de France 16th stage

Bouygues Telecom's Pierrick Fedrigo of France cycles during the 16th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Bagneres-de-Luchon and Pau, July 20, 2010.

PARIS, July 20 -- Pierrick Fedrigo of the Bbox-Bouygues team won the 16th stage of the Tour de France in Pau on Tuesday.
(Reuters)

Read More

Contador takes Tour lead

Contador takes Tour lead

Astana team rider Alberto Contador of Spain celebrates his leader yellow jersey on the podium of the 15th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Pamiers and Bagneres-de-Luchon July 19, 2010.

PARIS, July 19 -- Defending champion Alberto Contador grabbed the yellow jersey from Andy Schleck as overall leader of the Tour de France on Monday.

Schleck accused Contador of taking the jersey unfairly because he didn't wait while Schleck stopped to fix the chain on his bike. Contador insisted he didn't know Schleck had had a problem.

French champion Thomas Voeckler won the day's race, the second of the Tour de France's four big stages in the Pyrenees, with a solo ride.

It was the second stage victory for Voeckler after another solo win in Perpignan last year. He also held the yellow jersey for nine days in 2004.

Schleck had accelerated less than 4 kilometers from the top of the major climb of the day, the Port de Bales, but almost immediately lost his chain, forcing him to stop on the side of the road and wait for assistance.

He then had to force his way back through the field as he attempted to catch up with Contador and the other leaders in the overall competition, but was unable to make up enough time.

He finished 39 seconds behind Contador, who now holds the yellow jersey by eight seconds.

Contador said he had not been aware of Schleck's problem until he had gone far past him.

Voeckler finished Monday's 187.5-kilometer (116.5-mile) 15th stage from Pamiers to Bagneres-de-Luchon in 4 hours, 44 minutes, 51 seconds, ahead of Alessandro Ballan of Italy and Aitor Perez of Spain.

Tuesday's 16th stage, the third in the Pyrenees, is one of the toughest of all, taking the riders 199.5 kilometers (124 miles) from Bagneres-de-Luchon to Pau.

Saxo Bank team rider Andy Schleck (R) of Luxembourg climbs the Port de Bales pass followed by Astana team rider Alberto Contador of Spain during the 15th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Pamiers and Bagneres-de-Luchon July 19, 2010. Contador is the new race leader.
(Reuters)

Read More

Christophe Riblon wins 14th stage of Tour de France

Christophe Riblon wins 14th stage of Tour de France

AG2R team rider Christophe Riblon of France celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 14th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Revel and Ax-3 Domaines July 18, 2010.

Bouygues Telecom team rider Anthony Charteau of France celebrates his best climber jersey on the podium of the 14th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Revel and Ax-3 Domaines July 18, 2010.

Astana team rider Alberto Contador of Spain (C), Saxo Bank team rider Andy Schleck of Luxembourg (L) and Caisse d'Epargne team rider Luis-Leon Sanchez of Spain climb to Ax-3 Domaines during the 14th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Revel and Ax-3 Domaines July 18, 2010.

AG2R team rider Christophe Riblon of France sprays his face with water on his way to win the 14th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Revel and Ax-3 Domaines July 18, 2010.

The pack of riders cycles during the 14th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Revel and Ax-3 Domaines July 18, 2010.
(Reuters)

Read More

Qinhai Lake cycling race

Qinhai Lake cycling race

Riders starts off during the Tour of Qinhai Lake cycling race, in Huzhu, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 16, 2010.

Riders compete during the Tour of Qinhai Lake cycling race, in Huzhu, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 16, 2010. Tour of Qinhai Lake started on Friday.
(Xinhua)

Read More

Paulinho wins Tour de France's 10th stage

Paulinho wins Tour de France's 10th stage

Radioshack team rider Sergio Paulinho of Portugal crosses the finish line to win the tenth stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Chambery and Gap, July 14, 2010.

Best climber jersey holder Bouygues Telecom team rider Anthony Charteau (L) of France, Leader yellow jersey holder Saxo Bank team rider Andy Schleck (C) of Luxembourg and sprinter green jersey holder Cervelo team rider Thor Hushovd (R) of Norway wait during the tenth stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Chambery and Gap, July 14, 2010.

Caisse d'Epargne team rider Vasil Kiryienka of Belarus crosses the finish line to take the second place in the tenth stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Chambery and Gap, July 14, 2010.

The peloton rides past during the tenth stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Chambery and Gap, July 14, 2010.

Saxo Bank team rider Andy Schleck of Luxembourg cycles during the tenth stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Chambery and Gap, July 14, 2010.
(Reuters)

Read More

Andy Schleck wins stage 8 of Tour de France

Andy Schleck wins stage 8 of Tour de France

Saxo Bank team rider Andy Schleck of Luxembourg celebrates on the podium after winning the eighth stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Station des Rousses and Morzine-Avoriaz July 11, 2010.

Saxo Bank team rider Andy Schleck (L) of Luxembourg climbs to Morzine-Avoriaz with BMC Racing team rider Cadel Evans (C) of Australia and Liquigas team rider Roman Kreuziger (R) of the Czech Republic during the eighth stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Station des Rousses and Morzine-Avoriaz July 11, 2010.

BMC Racing team rider Cadel Evans of Australia celebrates with his yellow leader jersey on the podium after the eighth stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Station des Rousses and Morzine-Avoriaz July 11, 2010.

Radioshack team rider Lance Armstrong of the US climbs to Morzine-Avoriaz with team mate Janez Brajkovic of Slovenia during the eighth stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Station des Rousses and Morzine-Avoriaz July 11, 2010.
(Reuters)

Read More

Armstrong concedes failure in Tour de France

Armstrong concedes failure in Tour de France

U.S. Lance Armstrong rides on the finish line at the end of the 189 km and 8th stage of the 2010 Tour de France cycling race run between Les Rousses and Morzine Avoriaz ski resort.

PARIS, July 11 -- American Lance Armstrong conceded that his hope of Tour de France victory was dampened after he suffered in three crashes in the Alps during the eighth stage on Sunday.

World champion Cadel Evans of Australia took the yellow jersey at the end of the stage, which was won by Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, with overnight leader Sylvain Chavanel falling behind the top contenders.

The American crossed the finish line nearly 12 minutes behind Schleck during the 189-kilometer run from Station des Rousses to the Morzine-Avoriaz ski resort.

"My Tour is finished," said Armstrong, 38, who holds a record seven Tour victories.

It was a "very, very bad day," said Armstrong in his last try in cycling's showcase event, who dropped to 39th place overall.

On Monday, riders will get the first rest day of the race, which finishes on July 25 in Paris.

(AFP)

Read More

Armstrong denies new doping accusations

Armstrong denies new doping accusations

MIAMI - Disgraced US cyclist Floyd Landis revealed new cheating allegations in a series of messages to sponsors and officials that also implicate former teammate Lance Armstrong.

Seven-time Tour de France winner Team Radioshack rider Lance Armstrong waits at the starting line in Visalia, California of stage five of the Amgen Tour of California May 20, 2010. Disgraced Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has confessed to using performance enhancing drugs and accused some of the biggest names in the sport, including Lance Armstrong, of also cheating.

In a series of e-mails, Landis alleged Armstrong not only joined him in doping but taught others how to beat the system and paid the former president of the International Cycling Union to keep a failed test quiet.

"We have nothing to hide," Armstrong said at an impromptu news conference before the fifth stage of the Tour of California.

"Credibility," the seven-time Tour de France winner said in Visalia. "Floyd lost his credibility a long time ago."

In two e-mails obtained by The Associated Press, Landis also admitted for the first time what had long been suspected - that he was guilty of doping for several years before being stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title.

"I want to clear my conscience," Landis told ESPN.com. "I don't want to be part of the problem any more."

Neither Landis nor his family returned repeated messages from the AP.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the details of the e-mails on its website early Thursday. The newspaper also reported Landis was cooperating with the Food & Drug Administration's criminal investigations unit and had met with FDA special agent Jeff Novitzky, the lead investigator in the BALCO case.

Landis alleged that Armstrong and longtime coach Johan Bruyneel paid former UCI president Hein Verbruggen to cover up a test in 2002 after Armstrong purportedly tested positive for the blood-boosting drug EPO. The UCI denied changing or concealing a positive test result.

In an e-mail Landis sent to USA Cycling chief Steve Johnson, he said Armstrong's positive EPO test was in 2002, around the time he won the Tour de Suisse. Armstrong won the Tour de Suisse in 2001 and did not compete in 2002.

"We're a little confused," Armstrong said.

The e-mail to Johnson also said: "Look forward to much more detail as soon as you can demonstrate that you can be trusted to do the right thing."

Landis also implicated at least 16 other people in various doping acts, including longtime Armstrong confidant George Hincapie, Olympic medalist Levi Leipheimer and Canadian cyclist Michael Barry.

The Wall Street Journal reported another e-mail from Landis also linked another top American racer, Dave Zabriskie, to doping.

"At the end of the day, he pointed the finger at everybody still involved in cycling, everybody that's still enjoying the sport, everybody that still believes in the sport, everybody that's still working in the sport, was in the crosshairs," Armstrong said. "Yes, I'm standing here with all you guys because I won the Tour de France seven times."

Landis said he was asked at one point to stay in an apartment where Armstrong was living in 2003 and check the temperature in a refrigerator where blood was being stored for future transfusions.

"Mr. Armstrong was planning on being gone for a few weeks to train he asked me to stay in his place and make sure the electricity didn't turn off or something go wrong with the referigerator," Landis wrote.

Landis is part of a long list of former Armstrong teammates and former US Postal Service riders who have either acknowledged or been caught doping.

Frankie Andreu has said he used EPO while preparing for the Tour de France on Armstrong's team in the late 1990s. Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton tested positive after the 2004 Athens Games, kept his medal on what amounted to a technicality, then retired last year after telling the AP he knowingly took a banned steroid. Roberto Heras was stripped of his win at the Spanish Vuelta in 2005 and Spanish rider Manuel Beltran was kicked out of the Tour de France, both found to have used EPO.

Hincapie said he was "really disappointed" by the allegations. Jim Ochowicz, a former top USA Cycling official - who was also implicated by Landis - defended himself and Hincapie.

"These allegations are not true, absolutely unfounded and unproven," said Ochowicz, now the president of BMC Racing, Hincapie's current team. "This is disappointing to anyone who works in the sport or is a fan of the sport."

Johnson said USA Cycling would not comment about Landis' series of e-mails, citing its policy on not discussing "doping allegations, investigations or any aspect of an adjudication process." The US Anti-Doping Agency also declined comment for similar reasons.

More accusations from Landis could be coming, however. In his e-mail to Johnson, Landis indicated he has several diaries detailing other experiences.

Until about 2005, Armstrong worked extensively with Michele Ferrari, an Italian doctor who was linked to numerous doping issues, but was cleared by an appeals court in 2006. Landis claimed Ferrari extracted "half a liter of blood" from him in 2002, so he could have it transfused during the Tour de France.

"Mr. Armstrong was not witness to the extraction but he and I had lengthy discussions about it on our training rides during which time he also explained to me the evolution of EPO testing and how transfusions were now necessary due to the inconvenience of the new test," Landis wrote.

Andy Rihs, the owner of the Phonak team for which Landis rode when he won the Tour, issued a statement saying Landis' claims were "lies" and a "last, tragic attempt" to get publicity. In one of his e-mails, Landis alleges that Rihs was aware of his doping and helped fund it.

Like Armstrong, UCI president Pat McQuaid questioned Landis' credibility.

"He already made those accusations in the past," McQuaid said. "Armstrong has been accused many times in the past but nothing has been proved against him. And in this case, I have to question the guy's credibility. There is no proof of what he says. We are speaking about a guy who has been condemned for doping before a court."

Armstrong said Landis threatened long ago to go public with these allegations. He finally told him to do whatever he felt was necessary.

"This is a man that's been under oath several times and had a very different version," Armstrong said. "This is a man that wrote a book for profit that had a completely different version. This is somebody that took, some would say, close to $1 million from innocent people for his defense under a different premise. Now when it's all run out, the story changes."

Later Thursday, Armstrong crashed in the stage near Visalia, Calif., abandoning the race and needing stitches and X-rays, which were negative. It did not seem the wreck would impact plans for the Tour de France and challenging rival-turned-teammate-turned-rival Alberto Contador, the defending champion of the race the Texan once dominated with relative ease.

"I will take a few days to recover and be on the bike as soon as possible," Armstrong said.

(Agencies)

Read More

U.S. cyclist Landis admits doping

U.S. cyclist Landis admits doping

Phonak's team rider Floyd Landis of the U.S., wearing the leader's yellow jersey, holds a U.S. flag as he takes his lap of honor around the Champs Elysees after winning the 93rd Tour de France cycling race after the final stage between Sceaux-Antony and the Champs-Elysees in Paris in this July 23, 2006 file photo. Landis has sent a series of e-mails to cycling officials and sponsors admitting to the use of performance enhancing drugs, the Wall Street Journal reported on May 20, 2010.

Phonak's team rider Floyd Landis of the U.S., wearing the leader's yellow jersey, holds a glass of champagne as he celebrates his overall leader position during the last stage of the 93rd Tour de France cycling race between Sceaux-Antony and the Champs-Elysees in Paris, in this July 23, 2006 file photo. Landis has sent a series of e-mails to cycling officials and sponsors admitting to the use of performance enhancing drugs, the Wall Street Journal reported on May 20, 2010.
(Reuters)

Read More

Edward Dawkins lands men's sprint gold at UCI cycling World Cup

Edward Dawkins lands men's sprint gold at UCI cycling World Cup

New Zealand's Edward Dawkins jubilates after the men's pursuit final at the 2009-2010 Beijing UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Beijing, capital of China, on Jan. 24, 2010. Edward Dawkins claimed the title of the event.

BEIJING, Jan. 24 -- Edward Dawkins of New Zealand defeated Michael D'almeida of France to take the men's individual sprint gold at the Beijing stop of the UCI track cycling World Cup here on Sunday.

Dawkins claimed the title with two straight wins against D'almeida in the best-of-three final thanks to his strong dash ability.

D'almeida settled with the silver and Francois Pervis, another French rider from the professional team Cofidis, beat his teammate Maximillian Levy to take the bronze.

New Zealand's Edward Dawkins (C) smiles during the awarding ceremony after the men's pursuit final at the 2009-2010 Beijing UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Beijing, capital of China, on Jan. 24, 2010.
(Xinhua)

Read More

Steven Wong wins first gold at 5th East Asian Games

Steven Wong wins first gold at 5th East Asian Games

Wong Steven Patrick Marie Josee of China's Hong Kong poses during the awarding ceremony of the men's elite final of cycling BMX in Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009. Wong Steven Patrick Marie Josee claimed the champion with 30.181 seconds.

HONG KONG, Dec. 5 -- Hong Kong's "King of BMX (bicyclemoto cross)" Steven Wong won the first gold medal of the 5th East Asian Games here on Saturday.

Steven Wong won the title with a time of 30.181 seconds.

Wong Steven Patrick Marie Josee (R) of China's Hong Kong competes during the men's elite final of cycling BMX in Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009.

The silver medal was taken by Masahiro Sampei of Japan at 30.745, followed by Zhao Zhiyang of China in the third place at 31.827.

The 5th East Asian Games, featuring some 2,300 athletes from nine countries and regions, is being held for the first time in Hong Kong from Dec. 5-13.
(Xinhua)

Read More