Alexandre Vinokourov, the 33 year old rider from Kazakhstan, was fired today by his team Astana.

Last week, the analysis of the French anti-doping laboratory at Chatenay-Malabry revealed that Vinokourov underwent a blood transfusion shortly before the start of July 21 time trial in Albi.

The initial result of the b-sample confirmed the original finding on Saturday.

After the media has announced that Vinokourov tested positive, Astana decided to drop out from the Tour de France.

Astana’s decision also ruled out Vinokourov team-mates, the German Andreas Klvden and his compatriot Andrey Kashechkin, who were lying fifth and eighth overall.

Today Astana issued a brief statement. "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," Astana said. Tough Vinokourov denied blood doping.

If found guilty Vinokourov faces a two-year ban and, according to the International Cycling Union's anti-doping charter, will have to pay a fine equal to a year's salary.

The case of the Kazah rider was just one of the scandals that affected this year’s edition of Tour de France.

One day after Vinokourov, the Italian Cristian Moreni tested positive for the male sex hormone testosterone, forcing his Cofidis team to left the race.

Last Wednesday, the then race leader Michael Rasmussen was dropped from the Tour by the Rabobank team after lying about his whereabouts in connection with missed drug tests.

On Sunday, the Spanish rider Alberto Contador won Tour de France 2007.