Landis, 30, fractured his right hip after a crash in training in January 2003. The fracture cut off blood to the hip bone. He had pins inserted for the fracture and then two more surgical procedures -- the last in 2004 -- to try to restore blood to the bone.
Also see: Lance's final glance
His personal physician Dr Brent Kay says the discomfort keeps the cyclist from sleeping. Dr Kay believes the bone damage is 'as bad as it can get. Everything is pretty much worn down.'
Landis' team doctor Dr Denise Demir says the champion's right leg is about an inch shorter than his left leg since the crash, affecting his balance. She said Landis cannot push the right pedal with the force that he can with the left.
'I couldn't believe that he could walk, let alone ride,' said Demire, after seeing the first X-rays of his hip condition.
The American put all those doubts aside this month, rode through the pain, climbed the monstrous French Alps and reached the pinnacle of the world's most physically challenging sport.
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