Andrey Kashechkin's 'B' sample, taken on August 1 in an out-of-competition dope control in Turkey, has tested positive for blood doping. Previously, the Astana rider's 'A' sample had returned a positive result for homologous blood transfusion, and Kashechkin had requested that his 'B' sample be tested.

Kashechkin had been suspended pending the results of the B sample, and now Astana have dismissed Kashechkin from the squad permanently. His Kazakh compatriot and former team-mate Alexandre Vinokourov also tested positive for homologous blood transfusion during the Tour de France and was sacked by the team.

In one of its typically brief press releases, the Astana team stated that the positive test for Kashechkin's 'B' sample 'had to be expected'.

Astana were down to start the Tour of Spain tomorrow (Saturday, September 1), but had their place at the event withdrawn by the organisers.

RELATED LINKS

Kashechkin positive for blood doping

Vinokourov tests positive

Astana kicked out of Tour

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Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.