Astana jersey

PAU, Jul 24 (CP) - Cycling team Astana will immediately leave the Tour de France after the positive doping test of leader Alexandre Vinokourov.

In a press release, the team officially announced the news: "The anti-doping control on Alexandre Vinokourov, that had been performed on July 21st after the time trial in Albi, was positive."

The values of the sample indicate that a blood transfusion had occured just ahead of the time trial.

"According to the ethical code of the Astana Cycling Team, Alexandre Vinokourov has been suspended from the team with immediate effect. the rider asked nevertheless a B-analysis.

"Informed by the Astana management, the organisers of the Tour de France invited the team to withdraw, which was immediately accepted.

© Jonathan Roorda