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An open letter from Floyd Landis
Published: Aug. 15, 2006
Following the announmentTuesday that the Phonak Cycling Team will cease operations at the endof the year, former team captain Floyd Landis posted an open letter tohis teammates, the staff, team owner Andy Rihs and manager John Lelangue.
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 winthe Tour de France. On Sunday, July 23rd, 2006, we achieved that goal.With the dedication and support of the entire team and staff, we overcameimpossible odds to make the 2006 Tour de France one of the most excitingraces 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 assembledan excellent organization, staff and team. You never wavered in your commitmentto the team and your athletes despite the struggles you’ve faced in thepast. It makes me happy to have won the Tour with and for Phonak. You deservedto be on the podium with me.While the recent allegations against me hurt us all, I respect the factthat the Phonak team must follow its own rules and charter under thesecircumstances. 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 notshy away from this fight.Most of all, I understand that this situation impacts families and friendsother than my own. It affects the businesses and sponsors that supportcycling as well as the sport itself. It is for this reason that I am determinedto show that I followed the rules and won fairly and cleanly. There isa greater integrity at stake here than just my own.I thank you all for your support and courage as I embark on this journeyto restore my name, the team’s name and the image of cycling.Thanks,Floyd Landis
2006 Tour de France Champion
