Although the news came out about a week ago on one of the Tour rest days, I think that this Sunday’s New York Times had a really great article about Floyd Landis, the United States’ best hope for another victory in the Tour de France in 2006.
Basically, in 2003 Floyd Landis crashed on a training ride and broke his hip. Unfortunately, it didn’t heal completely because the blood flow to the broken hip was not completely restored. Consequently, his hip now suffers from a condition called avascular osteonecritis. The bone is dying off and Mr. Landis is in need of a hip replacement.
Nonetheless, Mr. Landis has had a set of incredible rides this year incluing victores at Paris-Nice, The Amgen Tour of California, and the Tour de Georgia. He’s the best placed American and the best placed “true contender” so far in the race.
All with a bum hip.
Check out this article:
And tune into the Tour on OLN and send him a little telepathic love.
http://www.olntv.com
There are some big stages coming up including Tuesday’s killer ascent up L’Alpe de Huez. Should make for some compelling television.