Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

Andriy Kashechkin tested positive for homologous blood doping in an out of competition test while training in Turkey. The Kazak racer’s positive test is the latest in a series of devastating blows to the Astana team that comes after doping related issues with Mattaus Kessler, Eddie Mazzoleni and Vonkourov. The double positive for blood doping surely shows that there was a mix up of blood bags. Most doping tests cannot detect when a racer re-injects his own blood, but can easily spot if there is a presence of another person’s blood.

The same situation happened with Tyler Hamilton and Santiago Perez of the Phonak squad. Both tested positive which signaled a mix up of blood bags. Hamilton tried his best to find an excuse for the positive doping test, going so far as to say he had a vanishing twin which caused the abnormal test result.