Vinokourov to leave T-Mobile

Alexander Vinokourov is leaving the T-Mobile Team as of the end of the season. The 31 year old Kazakhi informed the management of the team of his decision a few days before the end of the Tour.

"Alexandre wants the chance to win the Tour as captain of a team," said Team manager Olaf Ludwig. "We are sorry for his decision, but understand his reasoning."

Vinokourov has been courted by several big teams, and there is speculation that he may end up at Cofidis or Ag2r next year. Discovery Channel director Johan Bruyneel denied that his team was interested in signing the attacking T-Mobile rider. "We want someone who can win the Tour. Vinokourov isn't one of them," he said.

Courtesy of Susan Westemeyer