President of the UCI, Brian Cookson, has issued a clear message: Alexandre Vinokourov needs to open up about his doping past.

“Do I think ‘Vino’ deserves a place in cycling? Alexandre Vinokourov needs to speak to the reform commission, he needs to make sure that he demonstrates that the team he manages is fully living up to its responsibilities,” Cookson told VeloNews.

“There are serious question marks over that situation. He and the rest of those connected with the team need to bear that in mind that they are in a very, very serious situation right now.”

Despite granting Astana a WorldTour license earlier this week, the Brit has iterated that the Kazakh team manager by Vinokourov are on their very last warning, and any more infringements could result in the team disappearing completely.

“If anyone hasn’t come forward, they need to get into touch with the commission very soon,” Cookson continued. “For Vinokourov and others, time is running out very quickly.”

In the past, “Vino”, as he is affectionately known, was refused to open up about his previous doping infringements, or the fact that he has been accused of buying both the 2012 Olympics Road Race and the 2010 Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

Cookson is relying on the Kazakh’s insight to help solve the doping problems that exist within the riders from that country, with 8 positive tests in 18 months from riders from Kazakhstan.

“I have encouraged anyone, including Alexandre Vinokourov, to speak to the reform commission,” Cookson said.

“It’s important that anyone who has had problems in the past, and wants to continue to work in the sport in the future, comes to the reform commission.”