Alexander Vinokurov said it was the "only fair decision" in his acquittal for bribing his way to victory in the 2010 Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

Belgian prosecutors alleged that Vinokurov paid Kolobnev 150,000 euros to win.

Prosecutors had sought fines and six months' imprisonment for both former players, but after lengthy proceedings, a judge ruled Tuesday that there was insufficient concrete evidence to prove their guilt.

"I am very happy that in the end the judge made the only fair decision and we can end this story," Vinokurov said in a brief statement.

Referring to Astana's successful 37-win season, he added: "We have had a great season. We had our best season this year, but we still have a lot of work to do and goals to achieve. Let's keep going."

Allegations that Vinokourov bribed Kolobnev to win Liège-Bastogne-Liège (one of the five monuments) were confirmed in 2011 when the Swiss magazine L'Illustré reported that Kolobnev had been paid by Vinokourov, and after the race the two The allegations began when the Swiss magazine L'Illustré reported in 2011 that Kolobnev had been paid by Vinokourov and published an email exchange between the two riders after the race.

"Here is a copy of all my banking information, please clear it from your mailbox or my ball may be cut off," Kolobnev reportedly said in the e-mail.

Vinokurov replied: "You did everything right. As you say, the earth is round and God sees everything. So thank you again. I believe you will be the eventual champion this year. Don't worry about the contract.

The two of you have always denied any wrongdoing.

According to initial reports in the Belgian media, the judge acquitted Vinokurov and Kolobnev on the grounds of three key factors. Vinokurov claimed that the final payment of €50,000 was to repay a debt Kolobnev had incurred while Vinokurov was banned for doping.

"It's my private life," Vinokurov said during the investigation. 'It's another story to smear my name. I lend and borrow money a lot."

Vinokurov retired from racing in 2012 after winning the Olympic road race title; he was banned for blood doping in 2007, but returned in 2009 and won stages at the 2010 Tour, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Olympics He has been the general manager of the Astana team ever since. Since then, he has served as general manager of the Astana team.