Landis withdraws from NZ cycling race
American cyclist Floyd Landis has withdrawn from next week's Tour of Southland cycle race in New Zealand, shunning the spotlight after his testimony in the United States Anti-Doping Agency's investigation of Lance Armstrong.
The 37-year-old Landis, who won the 2006 Tour de France but was disqualified after failing a drugs test, told organisers on Wednesday he will not compete in the October 28 to November 3 road race.
Auckland lawyer and cycling enthusiast Richard McIlraith, who helped sign Landis for the race, said the American rider was "disappointed and saddened" to have withdrawn.
McIlraith told the New Zealand Herald "some things have happened in the States and unfortunately he's had to change his plans."
Landis was among 11 cyclists who testified against Armstrong during the USADA investigation.
