Vinokourov sacked by Astana team

Alexander Vinokourov has been sacked by the Astana team following his positive test for blood doping on the Tour de France, the team announced yesterday. "Astana cycling team received confirmation that Alexander Vinokourov's B sample was 'non...

Alexander Vinokourov has been sacked by the Astana team following his positive test for blood doping on the Tour de France, the team announced yesterday.

"Astana cycling team received confirmation that Alexander Vinokourov's B sample was 'non negative'," the Swiss team backed by Kazakh companies said in a statement.

"Consequently, the Kazakh rider has been sacked by Astana cycling team with immediate effect."

Vinokourov tested positive for homologous blood doping, a method using the blood from another person, following his victory in a time trial in Albi on July 21.

The Kazakh left the race last Tuesday and his Astana team were invited by Tour organisers Amaury Sport Organisation to pull out.

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