Suspected doping: Lopez suspended by the UCI

Just under two weeks before the World Championships in Glasgow, the cycling world federation UCI has suspended Colombian time trial champion Miguel Angel Lopez on suspicion of doping. This was announced by the UCI following investigations by the Spanish Guardia Civil and the Spanish anti-doping agency Celad.

This substantiates the doping suspicion against Miguel Angel Lopez

Lopez, who is nicknamed "Superman" and once finished third overall at the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a Espana, is accused of possession and use of banned substances before the 2022 Giro.

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The background to this is a possible connection between Lopez and the controversial doctor Marcos Maynar. The Spaniard was arrested on 11 May 2022 for drug trafficking and money laundering and denied the allegations at the time. He is accused of dealing in doping substances. Professional cyclist Lopez was suspended from his former Astana team in July 2022 and later released after being questioned and searched by police at Madrid airport. He was subsequently released.

Miguel Angel Lopez most recently with Team Medellin

Lopez is regarded as a climbing specialist and good tour rider. In 2020, he also finished sixth overall in the Tour de France and won a stage. After parting ways with the Astana team, the 29-year-old most recently rode for Team Medellin and mostly took part in races in South America. He also became Colombian time trial champion at the beginning of the year. However, his suspension has now ruled out his participation in the World Championships.

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