Alexandre Vinokourov’s cycling career is in tatters after he was fired by the Astana team.

Alexandre Vinokourov has protested his innocence over claims he received a blood transfusion, although he will not attempt to regain his place in the Tour de France.

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme has expressed his disappointment over the latest scandal to affect the tour, after Team Astana withdrew following Alexandre Vinokourov’s positive test for a banned blood transfusion.

Team Astana have withdrawn from the Tour de France after Alexandre Vinokourov tested positive for a banned blood transfusion.