Landis turns in strong showing

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)—Floyd Landis finished seventh in Friday’s stage of the Tour of Southland, moving into 14th place overall after seven of nine stages.

Landis finished the 102-mile ride between Winton and Te Anau on New Zealand’s South Island 4 seconds behind stage winner Patrick Bevan. The American is 11 minutes, 56 seconds behind overall leader Heath Blackgrove of New Zealand.

Landis was among the leading group throughout Friday’s stage and was able to hold onto a prominent placing in a sprint finish. The tour concludes with two stages Saturday.

Landis won the 2006 Tour de France but was disqualified and banned for two years when doping tests revealed elevated levels of testosterone. He returned to racing in January.