/world sport
PARIS, France -- Kazakh cyclist Alexandre Vinokourov is reportedly retiring from the sport after being handed a one-year ban for doping.
Alexandre Vinokourov was handed just a one-year suspension for his drug offense.
The 34-year-old Vinokourov, who tested positive for a banned blood transfusion during the Tour de France, was given the ban Thursday by Kazakhstan's cycling federation. The suspension runs through next July.
"In these last few hours, my mind has been elsewhere," Vinokourov was quoted as saying in the French sports daily L'Equipe on Friday. "Cycling is finished. But I want to fight only to regain my honor and so that my image isn't tarnished forever."
Pre-race favorite Vinokourov was thrown out of July's Tour de France following his positive test for blood doping after the 13th stage, having won two stages despite suffering severe knee injuries in the first week.
Vinokourov was subsequently sacked by his Kazakh-based, Swiss-registered team Astana, which then withdrew from cycling's premier event.
Germany's Andreas Kloden announced on Thursday that he would stay with Astana.
The 32-year-old finished second in the 2004 and 2006 Tour de France races before switching from T-Mobile this year.
"Having reflected on the situation and spoken to other teams, I have decided to remain for one year more at Astana," Kloden said.
"I am content that uncertainties have now been resolved and I will devote myself to my profession. The quality of the team and its attitude has led to this decision."
Astana have also recruited 2007 Tour de France champion Alberto Contador of Spain and American rider Levi Leipheimer. E-mail to a friend 
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