• Cycling

Vinokourov confirms his retirement

ESPN staff
July 17, 2011
Alexandre Vinokourov broke his leg after a crash during the ninth stage © Getty Images
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Alexandre Vinokourov has confirmed he will never race again, a week after crashing out of the Tour de France.

Vinokourov broke his leg in a high-speed crash last Sunday, crashing into trees and tumbling down a steep bank at the side of the road on the ninth stage between Issoir and Saint-Flour.

He was unable to continue and had to be helped into an ambulance, and the Astana team leader confirmed his retirement a week after his final Tour came to an abrupt end.

"I will continue to ride my bike, but as an amateur and just to keep fit," Vinokourov told French television. "As far as competing goes, I think I will leave it there."

He is expected to continue working with his Astana team, possibly as team manager or sporting director.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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