Paddy Power issues refunds on 'Tour De Farce'

With yet another top cyclist expelled from the Tour De France for failing a drugs test bookie Paddy Power has announced a refund on all bets on Alexandre Vinokourov and his Astana team.

Vinokourov had been a well-backed pre-race favourite at 2/1 amongst punters although some disastrous stages had seen him drop out of the reckoning to 80/1 before his failed test led to his suspension.

Before their withdrawal, Astana had been leading the team standings in this year's Tour and Paddy Power will be refunding on all their riders, including Andreas Kloeden who was in fifth place and Andrey Kashechkin in eighth.

Paddy Power estimates a refund of almost €35,000 on the effected riders.

Paddy Power said: "The Tour De France is descending into a Tour De Farce so we will be refunding bets on any rider who is suspended for a failed drugs test between now and the end of the tour. As well as cheating the sport it's cheating the punters who bet on these riders in good faith."