Landis Visits Madrid

The final stage of the Vuelta a España didn't change anything.
Milram's Erik Zabel outsprinted points leader Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) to take the final stage (and his second) of the 61st Vuelta, 142-kms into the Plaza de Cibeles in the center of Madrid. Astana's Alexandre Vinokourov wrapped up the tour on Saturday by 72 seconds over Alejandro Valverde with a stage win in the second time trial.
Perhaps more interested was an appearance at the race by Floyd Landis, who continues to maintain he is the true Tour de France champion despite a positive drug test for testosterone.
"I have nothing to hide and nothing to regret. I'm innocent and I think my lawyers will be able to show that." Landis said. "The anti-doping control in the Tour is full of inconsistencies."Landis visited the start of the stage and a number of team buses, including Phonak (AP/Bernat Armangue), at the finish."I've come to talk with my lawyers and to say goodbye to my teammates and staff on Phonak, because after the Tour I almost had no time," he said.

A few other good reads:
-- NYDaily News' Mike Lupica: Lance's cycle of deceit
-- Washington Times' Tom Knott: Steering clear is typical for Lance
-- EuroSports: Vino targets 2007 Tour