Kolobnev claims innocence

ByReuters

Updated 12/07/2011 at 11:58 GMT

Alexandr Kolobnev has denied both taking drugs and being sacked by his Katusha team after withdrawing from the Tour de France following a positive test for a diuretic.

Alexandr Kolobnev Katusha 2011 PublicationxNOTxITAxFRAxIN

Image credit: Imago

"Yesterday, during the rest day it was reported the laboratories had found a substance, hydrochlorothiazide," the Russian said in a statement on Tuesday.

"I do not know where it (the substance) comes from."

On Monday, French police searched the Katusha rider's hotel room but "found nothing suspicious", according to the 2004 and 2010 Russian champion, who insisted he had not been sacked.

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"I have not been fired," he said.

If the B sample turns out to be positive, however, Kolobnev would be sacked from Katusha, according to the team's regulations.

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