Miguel Ángel López suspended for suspected doping violation
Colombian’s team said it expects he will defend himself
Colombian cyclist Miguel Ángel López has been provisionally suspended by the International Cycling Union (UCI) due to a suspected doping violation in the period leading up to last year’s Giro d’Italia. The suspension comes after evidence emerged from Spanish law enforcement’s investigation into López’s alleged connection with a Spanish docto, Dr Marcos Maynar involved in drug trafficking. In July 2022,, López’s former team, Astana Qazaqstan terminated his contract upon discovering the potential link with the doctor.
They would later reverse the decision a month later.
Astana ends Angel Lopez’s suspension due to “absence of any findings”
In December, the team would ultimately cut ties with him.
The UCI’s suspension is based on the notification to López regarding a possible violation related to the use and possession of a prohibited substance in the weeks prior to the 2022 Giro d’Italia. Despite the provisional suspension, López’s current team, Team Medellín, stated that he has withdrawn from the Tour of Panama, but they expect him to continue to defend himself against the allegations, emphasizing that it is only a “potential” violation.
? ¡Comunicado oficial! pic.twitter.com/0ZhaZv7ecw
— Team Medellín EPM (@team_medellin) July 25, 2023
Miguel Ángel López won a stage in the 2020 Tour de France and finished third in both the 2018 Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.
