In a surprise move, the Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team has added American cyclist Floyd Landis to its roster for the 2010 season. Landis was expected to ride with the Rock Racing team of fashion designer Michael Ball, but when the team was refused a Professional Continental license and its appeal to the International Cycling Union (UCI), the connection began to blur.
In an interview with VeloNation last week, Ball said of Landis, "Let me tell you something about Floyd. I like the guy, but his idea of business dealings were not a lot to be desired. It didn't work out in the end because I couldn't take his word, so it ended. I'm fine with that. It didn't end in a bad way, but didn't end in a good way."
Ball attempted to secure a Mexican Continental license and was again refused by the International Cycling Union, which left no hope for contracted riders expecting to race professionally in the US and abroad.
Now Landis, whose career highlights include the Tour de Georgia, Tour of California, Paris-Nice and the 2006 Tour de France, which was subsequently stripped after positive doping result for testosterone, will remain a professional cyclist for another season.
“Cycling has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had, and I look forward to helping provide the same opportunities for less fortunate kids.” said Floyd Landis.
Team General Manager Steve Owens isn't concerned with Landis's past affecting the organization's message adversely: “We’re confident in Floyd’s commitment to being a powerful ambassador for the Bahati Foundation and supporting the team in winning marquee events like the Tour of California.”
The team also announced that Josh Berry, a current member of the US National Cyclo-cross team, has also joined the squad.