Alexander Vinokourov (a retired cycling from Kazakhstan and Olympic champion) along with Alexander Kolobnev are facing bribery and private corruption charges which have been charged by the Belgian prosecutors. Belgian media people have reported that the two of them will be facing trial this year.
In the opinion of the Belgian prosecutors, Alexander Vinokourov has supposedly paid some handsome amount (around €150 thousand) to Alexander Kolobnev so that Vinokourov could win the 2010 Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
The UCI (International Cycling Union) had suspected both Vinokourov and Kolobnev of bribery and had even started an investigation against them in the year 2012.
The prosecutors have actually got hold of some email exchanges that have taken place between the two of the accused cyclists before the 2010 Liège-Bastogne-Liège final took place. Along with that there are clear evidences about the 2 money transfers that have taken place from Vinokourov’s account to Kolobnev’s account on the 12th of July, 2010 and 28th of December, 2010.
Kazakhstan Cycling Federation had also transferred €150 thousand into Vinokourov’s account. The Belgian prosecutors are also investigating this particular money transfer.
When Vinokourov was asked to give his opinion about the new developments that have recently took place in the case, he said that the prosecutors are just trying to generate media interest in this case because they lack any solid evidence against him. He claimed that he has not bribed anyone ever and the money transfer was just a loan.
Alexander Vinokourov is actually Team Astana’s general manager since the year 2013. Before that he was a professional cyclist, who had achieved many memorable wins in his career like 2006 Vuelta a Espana, stage wins (4) at Tour de France and also at Vuelta a Espana, bronze medals (2) at the World Championships, gold medal at the London Olympics 2012 etc. However, he was also removed from Tour de France 2007 for doping charges.