Kashechkin sacked after B sample tests positive

MONTE CARLO, Aug 31 (Reuters) Kazakh rider Andrej Kashechkin was sacked by his Astana team today after his B sample also tested positive for blood doping.

''After having been suspended following the A sample results, Kashechkin has been sacked with immediate effect,'' Astana said in a statement.

Kashechkin failed a random test on August 1 in Belek, Turkey.

Under the International Cycling Union's (UCI) anti-doping charter he signed, the 27-year-old faces a two-year ban from the sport and a fine equivalent to one year's salary.

The Kazakh rider left the Tour de France before the start of the 16th stage last month after his team pulled out of the race following compatriot Alexander Vinokourov's positive test for a similar offence.

Both riders have failed a test for homologous blood doping, a method using the blood from another person. Vinokourov, who was subsequently sacked by Astana, denies any wrongdoing.

He tested positive after powering to an impressive victory in the 15th stage of the Tour de France, a time trial in Albi.

Astana had decided to suspend its activities in August and will resume racing on Sunday at the Grand Prix de Plouay, a Pro Tour race.

German Andreas Kloeden is a major doubt for the race after sustaining hand and hip injuries when he was hit by a car while training yesterday.

REUTERS TB RN1747