Floyd Landis Biography

Sure, Floyd Landis’ recent Tour de France victory – and subsequent failed drug test – have vaulted him into an international spotlight, no matter how unwanted, but way before he ever caught the attention of the masses of media he has recently encountered, Landis was making a name for himself here in the U.S. as one of the best young riders of his era. 

Landis was raised in a conservative Mennonite community in my home state in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Unlike the more familiar Old Order Amish, conservative Mennonites do employ some modern technology, such as automobiles, but avoid television, movies, and many other elements of "modern" culture. Landis thus grew up somewhat isolated from modern American culture; however he did own a bicycle. He attended Conestoga Valley, a public school, and graduated in 1994, even though some members of his family attended private Mennonite school at some point. 

Landis used his first bike to ride out fishing with friends, but quickly learned to enjoy riding for its own sake. He became determined to ride in a local race and showed up wearing sweatpants because his religion forbade wearing shorts; he won anyway. More wins followed as Landis continued to enjoy the sport. Disturbed at what he considered a "useless" endeavor such as racing bikes, his father tried to discourage him from participating by giving him extra chores. This left Landis no time to train during the day, so he often sneaked out to train at night—sometimes at 1 or 2 a.m.—in the freezing cold. Landis' father got a tip off that he had been going out at night. He was unable to appreciate his son's passion for cycling and thought that he might be getting into drugs or alcohol and often followed Landis at a distance to make sure he wasn't getting into trouble. 

Today, Landis' father has become a hearty supporter of his son and regards himself as one of his biggest fans.