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Vinokourov Scandal Rocks Tour Riders

If you can't trust him, the event is doomed, Brit rider cautions

By Jesse Andrews, Newser User

Posted Jul 25, 2007 7:21 AM CDT

(Newser) – Cycling darling Alexander Vinokourov was forced to withdraw from the Tour de France yesterday after testing positive for an illicit blood transfusion. The Kazakh had won two stages of the race and climbed to the 23rd spot after crashing in the fifth stage. He denied doing anything illegal and indicated the crash may have affected the test, ESPN reports.

Scottish rider David Millar, 30, who has fought against doping since he admitted using performance enhancers after winning a world championship, wept at the news and called "Vino" one of the "most beautiful" riders. "If a rider of his stature has done this, we might as well pack up our bags and leave," Millar said.

Kazakhstans Alexandre Vinokourov (Astan (Getty Images)

(From L) Kazakhstan's Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana/Kaz), Spain... (Getty Images)

Tour de France - Stage Fifteen (Getty Images)

Tour de France worker takes a sign reading the name of Kazakhstan... (Getty Images)

Alexandre Vinokourov of Kazakhstan pedals in the last meters of the 13th stage of the 94th Tour de France cycling race, a 54-kilometer (33.55-mile) individual time trial loop from Albi to Albi, southern... (Associated Press)

A gendarme stands guard outside the Astana cycling team hotel as French police officers and colleagues carry out a search, in Pau, France, Tuesday, July 24, 2007. Leader of the Astana team and Tour de... (Associated Press)

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Vinokourov Scandal Rocks Tour Riders

If you can't trust him, the event is doomed, Brit rider cautions

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