Organizers of the Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic were kind enough to let Floyd race at the last minute and without a team. The American television network ABC's program Nightline agreed to turn up and do a piece on Floyd and the event, bringing nation-wide publicity.
So what happens?
Retarded happens, that's what.
Floyd would finish the short prologue in 91st place. An event not only quite humorously won by a Trek/Livestrong rider but one where the entire roster of Livestrong riders would beat Landis. Oh, the irony.
So what happens?
Retarded happens, that's what.
Crowds lined the streets in the Old Mill District to catch a glimpse of Floyd Landis. Race organizers added the controversial cyclist, who is racing without a team, to the registration one day prior to the event’s start date.
He was the brunt of laughter during the short time trial for wearing a novice looking outfit. Rather than wear a blank racing skin suit, he chose to sport a grey baggy T-shirt and nondescript black cycling shorts with his numbers sloppily pinned on the back, loose enough to catch wind and create a small sail.
“The chief official said that it is a USCF rule that if you are going to wear a jersey that has the name of a business or a sponsor there has to be a licensed team,” said Executive Director Chuck Kenlan. “Essentially he had to wear something plain with no sponsor on it and he just found a grey t-shirt and that was what he wore.”
Floyd would finish the short prologue in 91st place. An event not only quite humorously won by a Trek/Livestrong rider but one where the entire roster of Livestrong riders would beat Landis. Oh, the irony.