Just after this weekend?s Crit?rium International Floyd Landis, together with Phonak's General Team Manager John Lelangue, decided not to compete in the 2006 Giro d?Italia (6-28 May) ? contrary to many other 2006 Tour de France favorites. His replacement has not yet been named.

It wasn't a sudden decision. All season Landis has been questioning whether he should stick with his plans to include the Giro in his preparations for the Tour de France for the first time ever. Over the past ten days he's been thinking about it on his own, preparing to discuss it once more in detail with John Lelangue during the weekend in France.

In good shape

Floyd Landis has gotten off to a good season start by winning the Tour of California and Paris?Nice. The Phonak leader now knows for certain that he's in good shape. Crashes - like the one he was involved in on Saturday at the Crit?rium International - are a part of professional cycling. According to Phonak team representatives it did not affect his decision.

Using May to get ready for the Tour

To prepare himself for the Tour de France Floyd Landis will compete in the 2006 Tour de Georgia and the Dauphin? Liber? (June 4-11). In between these two events, in May, he will scout several key sections of the 2006 Tour de France route ? such as the climbs in the Alps and the Pyrenees as well as the two individual time trial courses. The rest of Landis' schedule is still open.

A powerful team at the Giro

Even though Landis will not be competing in the Giro d?Italia, Phonak Cycling will be represented by a powerful team, centred on Colombian Victor Hugo Pe?a and Belgian Axel Merckx. Spanish rider Jos? Enriqu? Gutierrez and Swiss rider Martin Elmiger are also likely to compete in Italy. A new leader has not yet been named ? and this year Tadej Valjavec is no longer riding for Phonak ? so he?s not an option.

How will this decision affect Landis? Tour performance? Discuss in our reader forums.