Astana's WorldTour licence in jeopardy after another failed drug test
Cycling's governing body will ask the Licence Commission to review Astana's management as another rider fails anti-doping test
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Astana's place in the WorldTour looks under threat as the UCI ask the Licence Commission to review the team's management and anti-doping policies after a third rider fails an anti-doping test.
Following on from riders Maxim and Valentin Iglinskiy, who both tested positive for blood booster EPO in August, llya Davidenok of the Continental Team Astana tested positive for anabolic androgenic steroids at the Tour de l'Avenir at the end of the same month.
Kazak rider Davidenok has requested to have his B sample analysed, but will be provisionally suspended until the results of the analysis come through.
The incidents have cast a serious cloud over the team, who celebrated victory at the Tour de France this year with Vincenzo Nibali, and they will now face an assessment from the Licence Commission to determine whether they are suitably complying with the ethical criteria set out by the UCI.
The Licence Commission is a the UCI's body for issuing, reviewing and withdrawing WorldTour licences, and will now decide whether to withdraw the licence from Astana, whose management includes Alexander Vinokourov, who was involved in a number of doping scandals himself during his career.
The UCI has declined to comment further at this stage.
Astana promises to investigate 'disappointing' doping within team
Astana says it wants to reaffirm its 'absolute zero-tolerance policy towards all incidents of doping and unethical activity' in wake
Astana 'in a serious situation' after doping positives, says UCI
Positive EPO tests for Maxim and Valentin Iglinskiy of Astana 'raises questions' about the team's management
Valentin Iglinskiy sacked by Astana after failing EPO test
Kazakh rider Valentin Iglinskiy failed test for EPO at Eneco Tour and admits to using the banned blood booster
Thank you for reading 10 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
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
-
Team bosses underwhelmed by 'symbolic' UCI rider development fee plan
The new rule will see development teams earn €2,000 a season once a rider signs to the WorldTour
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
First ever sale at premium kids' bike brand Islabikes
Parents wanting to get their kids a new bike can get up to 35% off while stocks last
By Vern Pitt • Published
-
Team bosses underwhelmed by 'symbolic' UCI rider development fee plan
The new rule will see development teams earn €2,000 a season once a rider signs to the WorldTour
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Miguel Ángel López takes Astana to court over ‘unlawful’ breach of contract
The Colombian was dismissed by Astana Qazaqstan in December, and is now seeking damages
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
"Failing that drug test was the best thing that had ever happened to me"
Abuse victim and disgraced cycling champion Geneviève Jeanson finds solace in return to bike racing
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Russian team takes UCI to court over ban
Banned team Gazprom-RusVelo awaits verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
29 cases of alleged doping recorded in cycling in 2022, but only one at WorldTour
Most came from semi-professional ranks, MPCC finds
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
CW Live: Olympic champion joins Women's WorldTour; Tom Pidcock tips Van Aert for Cyclo-cross Worlds; Arkéa-Samsic boss 'very interested' in Julian Alaphilippe; Deadline for 2024 Olympics tickets; LEJOG record holder back cycling after hit-and-run
A round-up of all the latest cycling news
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Mark Cavendish signs for Astana-Qazaqstan and will remain on the WorldTour for 2023
The transfer saga is over, Mark Cavendish has officially found a team, and will chase the Tour de France stage win record
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
UCI revises points system to give more weighting to Grand Tours and Monuments
Cycling's governing body publishes major changes to its points scale for the coming three-year cycle
By Tom Davidson • Published