Media environment given as reason
Following the Floyd Landis confessions and accusations of several high profile athletes and prominent figures in cycling, the Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team will be going forward without the continued support of OUCH Medical Center, citing a turbulent media environment. Head of the center, Dr. Brent Kay, has been a longtime supporter of Landis, who the team said has also amicably parted ways with the project.
The team said in a statement that they “are extremely thankful to Dr. Brent Kay for his generous support and respect his decision to minimize involvement in the cycling world at this time”. With regard to Landis and his accusations, the team added “we support his courage to come forward in an effort to facilitate a drug free and fair sport.”
Lance Armstrong, along with several others accused by Landis, have issued statements denying the accusations and all named parties, including the International Cycling Union (UCI), have raised questions about his credibility.
Both Matthew White and David Zabriskie from the Garmin-Transitions team were named by Landis, and their team has given their full support to both riders. The team said in a statement, “we expect nothing short of 100% truthfulness”, and said as long as their employees are truthful, their places within the team are not in jeopardy.