Kessler out after dope test
13/07/2007 16:07  - (SA)  

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Petacchi faces one-year ban 'TDF needs a clean winner' Giro winner at dope hearing Delay in Landis's dope ruling Kessler wins, Boonen in yellow

Geneva - The Astana cycling team has fired Matthias Kessler after his "B" sample showed abnormally elevated levels of testosterone.

The 28-year-old German had already been suspended before the July 7 start of the Tour de France after he tested positive for elevated testosterone levels in a surprise test in Charleroi, Belgium on April 24.

The Swiss cycling federation confirmed his B test and informed Astana.

Kessler finished fourth during the Fleche Wallonne race on April 26. He also finished sixth in the third stage of the Tour de Suisse on June 18.

The result comes as a blow to Astana, which has been trying to clear its tarnished image.

Previously known as Liberty Seguros, the Swiss-based team returned to the Tour de France this year after being banned last year when several of its riders were linked to the Spanish doping investigation called Operation Puerto.

- AP

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