ASTANA SACK VINOKOUROV

In a very concise press release, the Astana cycling squad have announced that they have sacked Alexandre Vinokourov. Vinokourov had tested positive at the Tour de France for blood doping, which lead to the withdrawal of the whole team from the race - this announcement comes after his B sample also tested positive.
This must leave the Astana set-up in an awkward situation as the squad was formed around Vinokourov as its leader, with the vast majority of its sponsorship coming from businesses in Kazakhstan, Vino's home country.
This is the second rider that has been sacked by the team this year, after Matthias Kessler tested positive for testosterone in an out-of-competition doping control in April. Eddy Mazzoleni was also suspended from the outfit due to his involvement with a doping investigation in Italy, and promptly announced his retirement from the sport.
Astana press release in full:
ALEXANDRE VINOKOUROV EXCLUDED FROM THE ASTANA CYCLING TEAM
Astana Cycling Team received the confirmation that the B-sample of Alexandre Vinokourov was also ?non negative?. The rider is then fired from the Astana Cycling Team with immediate effect.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Damaged rim caused Kern Pharma rider's freak tyre blowout, says team
Hookless rim concerns dismissed in Marc Brustenga's crash
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Wout van Aert reunited with lost watch, Bradley Wiggins catches some rays, and one cyclist opts for chain mail
There are mementos to be found at bike races, as long as it's not Wout van Aert's Garmin
By Tom Davidson Published