Vino tests positive; astana is out

[creekster]

Originally Posted by bluegoose

Can someone help me understand why the entire Astana team was asked to leave the tour while other teams of doping riders are allowed to stay?

I am not sure they were all asked to leave, although thye may have been. Astana was not supposed to be in the tour, as they had not quslified under the pro tour criterias (if I recall correctly) and were added as a wild card team. The invitation was extended witht he understanding that thye were drug free and were riding clean, despite Vino's association with ferrari, and the other drug rumours surrounding the team. When team leader Vino tests positive in such a flagrant manner, I think the team was withdrawn to minimize the PR damage to the tour and to minimize the likelihood that the whole team would be n=banned from future events. It was not required.