Landis - connection between his TT Position and Bad Hip?

[Robobo1]

Could there be a connection between Landis's hip condition and his "mantis" Time Trial position? Might it help roll his hip forward in a way that helps his pain?

He does say that it doesn't affect his riding... but you still have to wonder. And I'm just curious, no malice here.

If so, I feel bad for the guy... had to change his position, and THEN had to ride a different bike...

I'd love to see him at 100%. Get that surgery Landis!

[GTcommuter]

I don't know for sure, but Robbie Ventura alluded to that in some of the coverage last week. He said something along the lines of Floyd's preference for a more open hip position leading to the development of his "mantis" hand positions. It makes since that the hip problem lead the team to investigate new hand positions.

[harlond]

I have osteoarthritis and it definitely limits range of motion in my hips. With the bars in a normal position, it's essentially impossible to ride in the drops (putting aside the fact that I'm fat). I expect he does have limited range of motion and finds it painful to bring his knee all the way up to his chest--something I can't do at all.

[Robobo1]

Considering his pain level and the fact that it is now public... I wonder if the ICF would change their ruling and waive the aero-bar position rule for him?


I have osteoarthritis and it definitely limits range of motion in my hips. With the bars in a normal position, it's essentially impossible to ride in the drops (putting aside the fact that I'm fat). I expect he does have limited range of motion and finds it painful to bring his knee all the way up to his chest--something I can't do at all.

[Grasschopper]

Considering his pain level and the fact that it is now public... I wonder if the ICF would change their ruling and waive the aero-bar position rule for him?
Your joking right? :rolleyes:

Oh well this guy has pain when he rides so why don't we change the rules for him...hmm maybe he can ride a recumbant in the next TT...will that be better on his hip? Oh wait what if we give him a motor...only good for people with a Dr's note.

NO SPECIAL RULES FOR INDIVIDUALS. If you can't compete under the rules because you are injured or disabled then sorry...have a nice day.

[asgelle]

NO SPECIAL RULES FOR INDIVIDUALS. If you can't compete under the rules because you are injured or disabled then sorry...have a nice day.
Your argument might make some sense if UCI didn't already allow morphological exceptions to their position rules.

[Grasschopper]

Your argument might make some sense if UCI didn't already allow morphological exceptions to their position rules.
For medical conditions? I will admit I don't know the UCI rules and I will also say my feelings go across all sport. I sided with the PGA on the Casy Martin case as well. Great guy, good golfer, couldn't play under the rules (and didn't make the cut when the Govt forced the allowance of a cart just for him).

[asgelle]

I will admit I don't know the UCI rules ...
Well that pretty much sums it up, now, doesn't it?
http://www.uci.ch/modello.asp?1stlevelid=H&level1=0&level2=0

[Bacciagalupe]

Yes, Landis' TT position is a result of his condition: (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/09/sports/othersports/09landis-magazine.html?pagewanted=all)

Landis was so dominant that until a below-average performance in early June’s Dauphiné Libéré, some in the media speculated that he might be doping, a rumor that entertains Landis to no end. Though not quite as much as the reports that some rivals have begun to copy his uniquely painful position on the time-trial bike. ‘‘Maybe they should break their hip, and it would work better for them,’’ Landis told me with a smile.

IMO the guy is obviously off his rocker to compete given his condition, even though he's capable of doing so. There's no way to know what the long-term repercussions will be of this, except that he's got a lifetime of pain and repeated hip surgeries ahead of him for the forseeable future -- which I assume will be severely aggravated by cycling.

That said, I'd pay to see him roll up to his bike at the starting line in a wheelchair.... ;)

[ZachS]

His hip is already completely ruined and useless, riding might aggravate the condition, but he's throwing out the whole thing and getting a new one regardless. Racing after the surgery would probably have more reprecussions, but then again he can afford as many new hips as they're willing to give him. When you consider what NFL players put their bodies through for far shorter careers, less recognition, and less money, it doesn't seem crazy at all.

[Grasschopper]

Well that pretty much sums it up, now, doesn't it?
http://www.uci.ch/modello.asp?1stlevelid=H&level1=0&level2=0
How about you point me to the specific rule you are talking about...

[worker4youth]

IMO the guy is obviously off his rocker to compete given his condition, even though he's capable of doing so. There's no way to know what the long-term repercussions will be of this, except that he's got a lifetime of pain and repeated hip surgeries ahead of him for the forseeable future -- which I assume will be severely aggravated by cycling.

That said, I'd pay to see him roll up to his bike at the starting line in a wheelchair.... ;)

If you read the article carefully, his doctors apparently gave him the go-ahead, though it's never been done. Besides, he's replacing it within the next month...any more damage done to his hips won't matter, since it's being replaced. Might as well get the full use out of them, is probably Floyd's philosophy in this.

[ZachS]

this, and most of the other questions people have been asking, are all answered in the long NYT article. i suggest reading it.

[Greg180]

I think you are missing the point with Floyd...He loves the pain. From his riding all night after the chores his father gave him to riding with injuries all during his career...he acknowledges pain but doesn't use it as an excuse to quit. I only saw this kind of selfless commitment from my fellow team memebers in SF...Pain lets you know you are alive...

Saying that I was surprised by the press release...maybe he won't be able to finish and is priming the press and the fans for possibly dropping...I hope not, I am an Hincappe fan, (got to admire his years of effort), but I would like to see Floyd in the top three with the bum hip.

[domestique]

Yes, Landis' TT position is a result of his condition: (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/09/sports/othersports/09landis-magazine.html?pagewanted=all)



IMO the guy is obviously off his rocker to compete given his condition, even though he's capable of doing so. There's no way to know what the long-term repercussions will be of this, except that he's got a lifetime of pain and repeated hip surgeries ahead of him for the forseeable future -- which I assume will be severely aggravated by cycling.

That said, I'd pay to see him roll up to his bike at the starting line in a wheelchair.... ;)


thanks for the article.

[Robobo1]

Your argument might make some sense if UCI didn't already allow morphological exceptions to their position rules.

+1 yes they allowed him to have a shot of cortisone (banned substance) for his pain.

[meb]

Your joking right? :rolleyes:

Oh well this guy has pain when he rides so why don't we change the rules for him...hmm maybe he can ride a recumbant in the next TT...will that be better on his hip? Oh wait what if we give him a motor...only good for people with a Dr's note.

. . . .



A recumbent should be harder on the hip. You're pedalling while the weight is on the hip. I've found if the seat is off on adjustment by as little as 1-2 inches, the hip gets sore. Also, it's the hip that most often takes the impact in a fall.

[Robobo1]

A recumbent should be harder on the hip. You're pedalling while the weight is on the hip. I've found if the seat is off on adjustment by as little as 1-2 inches, the hip gets sore. Also, it's the hip that most often takes the impact in a fall.


Floyd Landis is just too hip for his own good.