France bans Landis from racing there in '08

PARIS - American cyclist Floyd Landis cannot compete in France until 2009 even if he has his two-year doping ban lifted by the sport's highest court.

The French Anti-Doping Agency said Wednesday it had imposed its own ban against Landis, preventing him from riding in France until Jan. 31, 2009 - ruling him out of next year's Tour de France.

Landis, who was stripped of his 2006 Tour title after testing positive for synthetic testosterone, has already been given a suspension until that date by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency but has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports.

CAS is expected to issue its ruling in early 2008.

Pierre Bordry, the head of the AFLD, said the French ban will be in place regardless of the CAS ruling.

"This ban includes all sporting activities in France," Bordry said. "It is the same length ban as the American decision."

Landis can appeal the AFLD's decision in France, but is unlikely to do so until after his CAS hearing is completed.

"In that case, we would see," Bordry said. "He (Landis) is more occupied with his case in front of CAS."

Bordry said Landis' legal team had presented its case in writing Nov. 29, and the AFLD's decision to bar the former Phonak rider was made the same day.

Landis tested positive after a stirring comeback on the 17th stage during the 2006 Tour.

The International Cycling Union declared Oscar Pereiro the 2006 Tour winner after Landis was stripped of the title.