Vinokourov positive for transfusion, Astana quits Tour
By Gregor Brown
Alexander Vinokourov (Astana)
Photo ©: AFP (Click for larger image)
The Tour de France was rocked by news that Astana's battered team leader, Alexandre Vinokourov tested positive for a homologous blood transfusion after Saturday's time trial in Albi. L'Equipe reported on Tuesday afternoon that the Kazakh's blood had shown evidence of a transfusion from another person with a compatible blood type in an analysis done in the Châtenay-Malabry laboratory.
The 33 year-old Kazakh was the winner of the stage 13 time trial in addition to Monday's stage 15 to Loudenvielle. A new blood control was apparently taken after stage 15 and is currently undergoing analysis. Homologous blood transfusions have been detectable since the 2004 Olympic games.
Upon receiving the news, the Astana team has allegedly quit the Tour, according to the French newspaper
By Gregor Brown
Alexander Vinokourov (Astana)
Photo ©: AFP (Click for larger image)
The Tour de France was rocked by news that Astana's battered team leader, Alexandre Vinokourov tested positive for a homologous blood transfusion after Saturday's time trial in Albi. L'Equipe reported on Tuesday afternoon that the Kazakh's blood had shown evidence of a transfusion from another person with a compatible blood type in an analysis done in the Châtenay-Malabry laboratory.
The 33 year-old Kazakh was the winner of the stage 13 time trial in addition to Monday's stage 15 to Loudenvielle. A new blood control was apparently taken after stage 15 and is currently undergoing analysis. Homologous blood transfusions have been detectable since the 2004 Olympic games.
Upon receiving the news, the Astana team has allegedly quit the Tour, according to the French newspaper