http://boulderreport.bicycling.com/2008/01/more-changes-ro.html
But the biggest pending move at Rock may have nothing to do with who’s turning pedals. I asked Ball who would be the team’s director now that Andreu is gone. “We’ve been talking to some individuals,” he said. “We have some talented guys ready.” Specifically, I asked whether he was negotiating a deal with Landis, who’s currently serving a two-year suspension for artificial testosterone use.
“Floyd’s a good friend and we’ve had a lot of conversations,” said Ball. “Nothing’s been solidified, but we’ve talked about this since last year. I can’t really speak to that right now, but we’ll see what happens.” Landis was included in a recent e-mail to Rock riders and staff about an upcoming training camp in Malibu. I have not yet contacted Landis directly to confirm Ball's comments.
Andy Lee, spokesman for USA Cycling, said that Landis is actually barred from working in any official capacity with Rock. “If you’re suspended by USA Cycling, an individual cannot participate in any activity that requires a USA Cycling license of ANY KIND (rider, manager, official, mechanic, support staff, coach, etc…),” he wrote in response to an e-mail asking for clarification of the rules as they would apply to Landis. “(Landis) is ineligible to obtain a USA Cycling license of any kind.” Landis has appealed his suspension to CAS and, if lifted, could immediately work with the team, but unless and until that happens, he’s barred from any official role.
Ball seemed to implicitly recognize this. When I asked what position Floyd would fill, director or other, Ball replied, “He’d be more of an advisor, a race strategist. He’s done it all; he’d be an amazing asset for this team, especially the younger riders.”
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