The Kazack cycling federation banned Vinokourov until July 2008. The 34 year old winner of the 2005 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège was tested positive for blood doping during this years Tour de France. The team left the Tour after the news of Vinokourov's positive test was announced.

A spokesperson of the Kazach federation, Nikolaï Proskourine  told Belgian newsagency Belga: "The documents and proof provided by Vinokourov and his lawyers did not convince us. That's why we decided to sentence him with a one year ban."

The ban starts at the day that Vinokouriov left the Tour and will therefore end at July 2008. Proskourine added: "If Vinokourov wants he can possibly start at the Olympic games in Beijing.  According to Belga Proskourine also said that the Kazach federation banned Vinokourov to prevent the suspension of his federation by the UCI. 

Vinokourov announced a press conference for  friday.