Landis sacked after positive 'B' test
Saturday, 5 August 2006 11:21Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has been sacked by his Phonak team following his failed drugs test.
The Swiss-based team have decided to terminate the 30-year-old American's contract after a B sample confirmed an earlier positive test for excessive levels of testosterone.
A team statement read: 'The Phonak Cycling Team has learned today from the International Cycling Union (UCI) that team captain Floyd Landis' B sample has also resulted in a positive finding of doping.
'As a result, Landis will be dismissed without notice for violating the team's internal code of ethics.'
The statement continued: 'Landis will continue to have legal options to contest the findings. However, this will be his personal affair and the Phonak team will no longer be involved in that.
'Team owner Andy Rihs deeply regrets this development. At present, he is clarifying with all parties involved what consequences this may have for his company ARcycling AG, the operator of the Phonak Cycling Team.
'Andy Rihs and team manager John Lelangue will make in-depth statements regarding this matter at a media conference to be held in the next couple of days.'
Landis is expected to be stripped of his title, which is set to be handed to Oscar Pereiro, the Spaniard who finished second in the overall standings.
The American could also be handed a two-year ban from the sport, although he is expected to launch an appeal against the findings.
He had denied any wrongdoing, claiming his body naturally produced high levels of testosterone.
