Two of the most controversial riders in recent American cycling history could compete together on the same team in 2009.
Tyler Hamilton, who’s about to lose his status as the reigning Olympic time gold medalist, and Floyd Landis, the dethroned winner of the 2006 Tour de France, could both ride for the controversial Rock Racing team next season.
Floyd Landis
Landis can compete after January 30, 2009. That’s when his two-year suspension for an abnormal testosterone ratio ends.
Hamilton, who also served a two-year suspension for the presence of foreign blood in his system, got the rumor of the two riders competing started during an interview last week with the Belgian publication, HLN.
“Floyd is welcome to join us immediately,†Hamilton said. “I know what he is going through, we can help him return to the top.”
Hamilton returned to pro racing at beginning of the 2007 season for a short, unsatisfying stint with the Russian squad, Tinkov. He then moved to Rock Racing in 2008. It’s owned and operated by Michael Ball, the founder of the high-end jeans manufacturer, Rock & Republic.
Rock Racing’s image has attracted a loyale following. Its team colors are green and black, its logo is a skull with wings and its team cars are Cadillac Escalades. The team is tantamount to cycling’s version of the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League.
Hamilton, a former Tour de France stage winner who finished as high as fourth in cycling’s premier event, claimed his first stage race victory in four years in July at China’s Tour of Qinghai Lake. He recently signed a new two-year contract with Rock Racing.
Rock Racing's team logo
Hamilton’s statement in the publication triggered substantial media interest.
Landis hasn’t commented, but Ball released a statement:
“At this juncture, I have not made any decisions regarding the 2009 Rock Racing roster,†said Ball. “If, or when, Floyd Landis returns to racing, I hope people recognize that he has served his time and should be given the opportunity to showcase the talent that made him one of the world’s top bike racers. He has a right to continue to make a living in his chosen profession.â€
In addition to Hamilton, the Rock Racing squad includes Oscar Sevilla of Spain, Santiago Botero and Victor Hugo Pena of Columbia and American Fred Rodriguez, the three-time national pro road titlist.
Landis has not competed on the road since his victory and subsequent disqualification from the 2006 Tour de France. Landis has competed in several mountain bike events, including a second-place finish in the 2007 Leadville 100.
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