Kazakhstan's Fofonov tests positive on Tour

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - Kazakh Dmitriy Fofonov of the Credit Agricole team tested positive for the banned stimulant heptaminol after the 18th stage of the Tour de France, the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) said on Sunday.

He was immediately fired by his team.

"Fofonov tested positive for a banned stimulant, we have notified him with the news today," Pierre Bordry, the head of the AFLD, told Reuters.

"The substance is heptaminol."

The 18th stage of the Tour, 196.5 km from Bourg d'Oisans to St Etienne, took place on Thursday.

"He said he bought something on the Internet and that he did not tell the team's doctor. It is a serious offence, he is obviously fired from the team," said team manager Roger Legeay.

Fofonov finished the Tour de France in 19th place overall.

His positive test is the fourth in this year's Tour after Spaniards Manuel Beltran and Moises Duenas Nevado, as well as Italy's Riccardo Ricco, tested positive for the banned blood-booster EPO.