Vinokourov is sacked in test confirmation

Published on Tuesday 31 July 2007 11:58

ALEXANDRE VINOKOUROV'S cycling career is in tatters after he was fired by the Astana team.

Vinokourov, the Tour de France's pre-race favourite, was thrown out of the event last week after returning a 'non-negative' test result for blood doping after the time-trial in Albi.

The 33-year-old Kazakh had assembled the team himself and insisted they wear a uniform in the Kazakhstan national colours. But as of yesterday he is no longer part of the team which left the Tour after their leader was thrown out.

A statement issued by the Astana team confirmed: "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."

Vinokourov had proclaimed his innocence, claiming he would "have to be mad" to have committed the alleged doping offence.

The Tour has been hit with a fresh blow after it was revealed that Spanish rider Iban Mayo has been suspended by his team, Saunier Duval-Prodir, after testing positive on July 24. Mayo tested positive for the banned substance EPO and will become the latest competitor to be sacked if his B sample fails to clear his name.