Astana fires Kessler after positive B-sample

Team Astana has fired Matthias Kessler following the positive results of his B-sample, the team announced Friday. Swiss Cycling, the national federation responsible for Kessler, had earlier in the day officially announced the results of the B-sample.

"The B-sample confirms the A-sample," said Lorenz Schlaefli, the director of Swiss Cycling. Kessler is a German citizen who lives in Switzerland and therefore rides under a Swiss license.

It was announced two weeks ago that Kessler had tested positive for testosterone in a test before the Fleche Wallonne. He has always maintained his innocence.