American had claimed Phonak team manager knew about doping
BMC Racing team manager John Lelangue appeared before a special committee of the French Cycling Federation on Monday, answering questions in relation to Floyd Landis’ claim that he was tolerant of doping practices on the Phonak team.
During the time of the Tour of California in May, Landis made a wide number of claims against former team-mates and others, admitting that he doped during the 2006 Tour de France and throughout his career. While his allegations related mostly to those who had been with him on the US Postal Service team, he also spoke about the Phonak squad he competed with in 2006, and with whom he won the Tour. He was later disqualified from the race after testing positive for testosterone.
“One thing of great significance is that I sat down with Andy Riis [team sponsor] and explained to him what was done in the past and what was the risk I would be taking and ask for his permission which he granted in the form of funds to complete the operation described,” Landis said in an email leaked in May. “John Lelangue was also informed by me and Andy Riis consulted with Jim Ochowitz before agreeing.”
Although Lelangue is Belgian, he was requested to attend the FFC meeting as his licence is in France. He was the general manager of the Phonak team at the time. He has always denied all knowledge of any doping practices by Landis.
The FFC is one of several national federations which have been instructed by the UCI to investigate Landis’ claims.
“The special commission has the discretion to charge or dismiss,” said FFC president David Lappartient to L’Equipe. “It undoubtedly had specific questions to ask, but I do not know if there will be other hearings. It is not a disciplinary body, but a commission of inquiry. The report will decide whether to open a procedure. “
Several other federations are also expected to conduct enquiries. The Belgian federation will look into claims by Landis that Johan Bruyneel enabled and encouraged doping practices on his teams, while USADA is currently examining allegations concerning riders such as Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, George Hincapie and Dave Zabriskie.
If Lelangue is ultimately found to have lied about his involvement, it will be a big embarrassment to the Tour de France organisers. He formerly worked for ASO, and was brought into the Phonak team to help clean it up after a number of doping scandals. As a result of its trust in him, ASO allowed Phonak to ride the 2006 Tour de France.
Lelangue, Riis and Ochowitz have central roles in the BMC Racing Team.