Cycling growing and healthy, mate.

In announcing the new route for the Tour Down Under, Australia’s tourism minister Jane Lomax-Smith announced:

“Cycling already rates as the fourth most popular pastime in Australia, more popular than golf and fishing and, over the last three years, more bikes were sold than new cars in Australia.”

Sorry Al Gore.

An open letter from Floyd Landis

Floyd Landis posted his reaction to Phonak’s announcement that they will fold at the end of the season. Here is his letter. Well written. Well signed.

An Open Letter to the Phonak Professional Cycling Team

Dear Andy, John, my teammates and staff:

When I joined the Phonak Cycling team, it was our ultimate goal to win the Tour de France. On Sunday, July 23rd, 2006, we achieved that goal.

With the dedication and support of the entire team and staff, we overcame impossible odds to make the 2006 Tour de France one of the most exciting races in its history. When the race arrived in Paris on the final day, we had the Yellow Jersey.

Winning the tour with Phonak makes me very proud. Andy, you have assembled an excellent organization, staff and team. You never wavered in your commitment to the team and your athletes despite the struggles you’ve faced in the past. It makes me happy to have won the Tour with and for Phonak. You deserved to be on the podium with me.

While the recent allegations against me hurt us all, I respect the fact that the Phonak team must follow its own rules and charter under these circumstances. I just wish that all the parties involved would do the same. Despite this, I will not relent on my pursuit of the truth. I will not shy away from this fight.

Most of all, I understand that this situation impacts families and friends other than my own. It affects the businesses and sponsors that support cycling as well as the sport itself. It is for this reason that I am determined to show that I followed the rules and won fairly and cleanly. There is a greater integrity at stake here than just my own.

I thank you all for your support and courage as I embark on this journey to restore my name, the team’s name and the image of cycling.

Thanks,

Floyd Landis
2006 Tour de France Champion

Paul Sherwen on doping

Pez cycling news interviews Paul Sherwen on doping. Paul, an ex rider gives the benefit of the doubt to the riders involved until proven guilty.