In a bizarre, if not totally unbelievable turn, Floyd Landis - Tour de France champion, stripped of his title for doping - is set to open a recreational cannabis company, Floyd's of Leadville, in Colorado this week.
Landis's explosive cycling career which saw him hit the heights of victory at the Tour de France, Paris-Nice, and the Tour of California, was matched by his politically explosive posts-cycling career which saw Landis play a pivotal role in toppling Lance Armstrong's reputation, as well as being embroilled in several other legal tussles
>Floyd Landis confesses to doping, implicates Lance Armstrong (2010)
Landis is said to be "happy to finally be involved in a legitimate industry," as he gears up to launch his company at an opening party at Club Vinyl in neighbouring city, Denver, on June 30.
Information as to what exactly Floyds of Landis will be selling is relatively low in supply as the company's website still appears to be under construction. However, according to American mountain bike magazine Dirt Rag Mag, the former champion's company will be selling pesticide-free cannabis oil sourced from high altitude altitude growers using an industry leading, pharmacy grade CO 2 extraction process.
The actual products available for purchase will be vape based and edible items, rather than smokable grass or hash.
Landis told Dirt Rag Mag that he's relishing the challenges ahead, and how fortunate he feels. “I am really excited about this new phase in my life," he said. "The cannabis industry is growing fast and I am fortunate to have this opportunity to play a role.
“The therapeutic uses for cannabis can’t be ignored. For years I relied on opioid pain relievers to treat my hip pain. With cannabis, I find that I can manage my pain and have a better quality of life. We need to give people a safer alternative.”
Landis's has moved to Colorado for his business, but interestingly he isn't the only ex-Tour de France winner in the area.
That's right, his old friend Lance Armstrong is sheltered away from the media spotlight in the exclusive rural community of Aspen, CO, just an hour and half's drive from Leadville - which in Colorado terms is literally the next town over.
There's no love loss between the pair, despite Armstrong's claims that he'd be willing to "kiss and make up" with Landis.
>Lance Armstrong offers to kiss and make up with Floyd Landis
Interestingly though, it looks like it's Landis's turn to persuade USA Cycling Licence holders to dope.
Strange how these things work out.
Absolutely, I have never attended court and been asked to do anything but describe what happened in the video, which a) is right there in the video...
I used to live in Japan and over there most larger sized items have an end of life recycling charge (admittedly not bike tires though). Most people...
A politician who says what he thinks will get him votes but does nothing to change regular peoples lives for the better? I don't believe that can...
Yup, HE are responsible for making several junctions in South Glos, where I used to live, much, much more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians;...
Six of one, half a dozen of the other, for me. Crap positioning by the police officer, impatience on the part of the lorry driver....
Unforgiveable dangerous driving; was it reported? The registration is clearly visible, so I hope it was.
Nul points for me on this story, I guess....
and presumably why should they have tax, insurance and MOT? - them's for toffs...
It will show how far away he was from the pinch point you say was in play.
Personal anecdote?