Luis Garcia del Moral calls Landis’ claims ‘ridiculous’
Lance Armstrong’s former doctor from team US Postal said Floyd Landis’ allegations of an internal doping programme are untrue.
Spanish doctor, Luis Garcia del Moral told Bloomberg that Landis’ claims are “ridiculous” and was unaware of any cheating.
He worked for Armstrong’s and Johan Bruyneel’s US Postal team from 1999 to 2003. Landis joined Armstrong’s team in 2002 and continued through 2004, helping Armstrong win three of his seven titles
Landis sent a letter April 30 to USA Cycling detailing the team’s doping practices, which included blood transfusions and testosterone patches. The letter became public when it was leaked to the media May 19.
His claims caught the eye of Jeff Novitzky, an agent for the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who was reportedly already working on a case involving drugs found in the apartment of cyclist Kayle Leogrande. If what Landis said was true, Armstrong and Bruyneel had used taxpayers’ money to fund doping since the USA’s postal service sponsored the team from 1998 to 2004.
A grand jury is convened in Los Angeles to hear evidence regarding possible doping and fraud charges. Investigators have issued subpoenas to individuals, including Armstrong’s former team-mate Tyler Hamilton and three-time Tour de France winner, American Greg LeMond. Investigators have also requested documents from Armstrong’s long-time sponsors, Nike and Trek.
“It seems crazy, I don’t know this part of the story of the US Postal team,” Garcia del Moral said. He added that Landis is trying to “make some money.”
Landis won the 2006 Tour de France, but days later, lost his title when a test done during the race revealed he used testosterone. He initially fought the charges with his own money and money from the public via the Floyd Fairness Fund he created. He later admitted to doping and returned to racing in 2009.
Landis is currently cooperating with US investigators and Garcia del Moral said that he too is available.
“I can’t speak freely on medical matters because of medical confidentiality,” he said. “If a judge asks me, then I’ll have to consider that when the time comes.”