Astana’s top cyclist, Alexandre Vinokourov, announces his retirement
Alexandre Vinokourov will not be able take part in professional cycling as he has announced his retirement because of a broken leg during a crash in stage 9 of Tour de France.
He said, “I will stop there” while he is keen to work for Astana for some other role, his retirement officially will take place at the end of the season."
Cyclist was flown to Paris for immediate surgery as he broke his leg during stage 9 of Tour de France as a result of a pile-up of about 30 cyclists.
He was leading his team, Astana, before he broke his elbow during a climb at the Pas de Peyrol in a crash. A number of other riders were also injured during the crash including Jurgen Van den Broeck and his team-mate, Fredrik Willems, who broke their collar
bones and Dave Zabiskie, broke his wrist.
It was expected that the 37-year-old will retire at the end of the season, but he was keen to make an appearance in next year’s Olympic Games in London, but after his latest comments it appears that this will be an end to his cycling career.
“I don’t think I’ll get back on my bike as a professional, I will stop here. We will try to find a new role in Astana team for me.” said Alexandre Vinokourov.
Astana’s star cyclist finished third in Tour de France, 2003, he was the winner of Stage 3 at Tour of Basque Country, third in overall classification at Tour de Romandie and has also served a two-year doping ban as he was tested positive twice during a race
in 2007.
This is the second time Alexandre Vinokourov has announced his retirement from the sport. His first announcement was made in 2007 after he was banned for one-year. Cyclist was banned for a homologous blood transfusion which means presence of someone else’s
blood in your body and he faced one-year suspension from the Kazakhstan cycling federation.
Vinokourov has been one of the most admired cyclists despite of the controversy. It is also learned that Vinokourov will be given the Director’s position for team Astana after his retirement.
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