The Kazakhstan cycling federation is standing behind Alexander Vinokourov, suggesting that he was forced out of the Tour by a "provocation". "This is politics", said Nikolai Proskurin, the federation's deputy director, according to AP.
Speaking on Kazakhstan television on Wednesday, Proskurin alleged that that Astana leader was never popular with race organiser ASO. "Even before the start the organisers said that if Vinokourov is among the favourites it would be wrong and no good," he said.
