Alexandre Vinokourov was a pre-race favorite who excited Tour fans by rebounding from a bad crash in the fifth stage to stay in contention until Sunday's 14th stage. Then he won Monday's stage as consolation. But yesterday -- a rest day -- came news he tested positive for a blood transfusion after winning Saturday's time trial.

"Alexandre denies having manipulated his blood," Astana Manager Marc Biver said, adding that Vinokourov believes the "blood anomalies in his body" may have resulted from the crash.

On the eve of this year's Tour, international cycling chief Pat McQuaid questioned Vinokourov's relationship with Italian doctor Michele Ferrari, saying it damaged the sport's credibility as it tries to repair its tarnished image.