Landis probe could last for years, claims anti-doping body

Published on Friday 9 July 2010 16:34

THE investigation into allegations made by disgraced cyclist Floyd Landis is "significant" and of "great importance" but could take years, the World Anti-Doping Agency have said.

Landis, who was stripped of the 2006 Tour de France title after testing positive for testosterone, in May admitted to doping violations, despite previously having spent a lot of time and money protesting his innocence.

However, as well as confessing, the former Phonak rider levelled allegations against many of his former team-mates at the United States Postal Service team, including seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong. Armstrong denies all claims of wrongdoing. The 38-year-old last Saturday, on the first day of his final Tour, issued a statement comparing Landis' allegations to "a carton of sour milk: once you take the first sip, you don't have to drink the rest to know it has all gone bad".

WADA are facilitating links in the multi-national, multi-agency investigation, which was initiated by the United States' Food and Drug Administration.

Jeff Novitzky, the man who uncovered the BALCO scandal of steroids in athletics and other sports, is leading the FDA's inquiry.

Interpol and WADA have enabled the inquiry to become worldwide, but do not have direct involvement.

WADA director general David Howman said: "I am aware of the progress and I am aware that there are now a number of enforcement agencies engaged, but I can't stipulate who as I'm not entitled to do so. The role that we play is one of facilitation."

The suggestions are that the investigation is only just beginning. Howman added: "This is a significant inquiry and the indications I have is that that significance is not going away. We might be talking about this still in 2016. I know that it's going to take many months." If any action is then necessary and criminal proceedings are required to take place against any individual, that would be down to the enforcement agencies involved. Howman believes the International Cycling Union are making an impact in their fight against doping in a sport which was once almost synonymous with the practice. However, he stressed the onus is on the riders to make a stand to rid the sport of the scourge of doping for good.

"Cycling is doing a lot, it's certainly doing its best to clean up the state of the sport. They've shown their commitment over the last couple of years and if something's going on, you'd hope they'd take action," he said.