Disappointed, Astana fires Ilkhan Dostiyev after positive doping test: "We trusted Ilkhan Dostiyev, we had great expectations for him..."

Ilkhan Dostiyev was one of the season's revelations in the U23 ranks. Before joining Astana Qazaqstan's Development Team, the 22-year-old Kazakh didn't stand out. That changed upon joining the WorldTour academy, finishing 2nd overall at the Tour of Rwanda and Giro Valle d'Aosta. But as it later turned out, it was only thanks to use of banned substances (CERA).

"This news came as a shock and disappointment to us," shared sports director Alexandr Shushemoin in a press release. "We trusted Ilkhan Dostiyev as one of the team’s leaders and we had great expectations for him, which are now completely shattered."

Dostiyev was added to UCI's list of provisionally suspended riders on Monday afternoon, referring to a positive off-competition test from July 30. "After receiving the information, we promptly contacted the rider and demanded an explanation, which Dostiyev provided, also expressing full willingness to cooperate with the UCI and anti-doping authorities. I can state with absolute certainty that Astana Qazaqstan Development Team has no connection to this incident."

"Our team adheres to a 'zero-tolerance' policy, we work continuously with the riders and do our best to ensure that athletes understand not only the consequences of using doping but also the absurdity of attempting to violate anti-doping rules. Given that Dostiyev has admitted to the anti-doping violation, the rider has been suspended from racing, and his contract has been immediately terminated. We are now cooperating fully and openly with all organizations involved to clarify all the details of what happened."