Alexander Vinokourov

Alexandre Vinokourov, born on September 16, 1973, in Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan, is one of the most accomplished Kazakh cyclists in history, known for his aggressive racing style and impressive resilience. He rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with notable performances in stage races and classics. Vinokourov’s career highlights include winning the 2006 Vuelta a España, multiple stages in the Tour de France and the 2010 Liège-Bastogne-Liège. His powerful and daring riding style made him a fan favorite and a key figure in professional cycling.

Vinokourov’s career, however, was marred by controversy. In 2007, he tested positive for doping during the Tour de France, resulting in his disqualification and a two-year suspension from the sport. After serving his ban, Vinokourov returned to racing and capped off his career with a gold medal in the road race at the 2012 London Olympics, a victory that symbolized his comeback. Following his retirement, Vinokourov transitioned to a management role, taking charge of the Astana - Qazaqstan Team, where he continues to have an influential presence in cycling.