Landis wore hidden wire to aid doping probe: Report

New York: Disgraced American cyclist Floyd Landis used a hidden wire and secret camera to gather audio and video evidence for a US federal probe into doping in cycling, the New York Daily News reported Sunday.

Citing unnamed sources, the News said Landis used the equipment for a meeting earlier this year with Michael Ball, owner of the Rock Racing team that featured Tyler Hamilton and other former Lance Armstrong teammates. Accusations of doping by Landis against Armstrong, a seven-time Tour de France winner, and many of his former teammates have prompted the wide-ranging investigation. Landis was stripped of the 2006 Tour de France title for doping and after testing positive fought his punishment for years before eventually admitting that he took performance-enhancing drugs.Federal authorities obtained a search warrant for the apartment of Ball, a fashion designer, in part on evidence collected by Landis in a plan organized by agent Jeff Novitzky, who gathered evidence in the BALCO steroid scandal. The News said a tiny camera caught images of what appeared to be human growth hormone and other doping products in the refrigerator of Ball’s California apartment. Armstrong has denied any wrongdoing, including claims by Landis of systemic doping. A grand jury looking into the case has interviewed witnesses from former teammates and sponsors of Armstrong. Testimony in the case is confidential. Bureau Report