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Astana were down to start the Tour of Spain tomorrow (Saturday, September 1), but had their place at the event withdrawn by the organisers.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