Miguel Ángel López, the Colombian cyclist currently serving a provisional suspension due to a potential doping violation, is reportedly nearing a move to the EOLO-Kometa team, according to Colombian news outlet Antena 2. This development comes amidst López’s ongoing suspension by the UCI, following findings by the International Testing Agency that suggest a possible breach of anti-doping regulations. The UCI’s suspicions centre around López’s alleged possession and use of a prohibited substance in the lead-up to the 2022 Giro d’Italia.
Despite these allegations, EOLO-Kometa, a team managed by cycling icons Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso, was purportedly willing to offer López a new opportunity in the professional cycling arena. The Spanish ProTeam’s decision hinges on the UCI’s final ruling on López’s case. During his time with the Colombian Continental team Medellín-EPM in 2023, López achieved notable success in South America, securing 21 UCI-level victories, including significant wins in the Vuelta a San Juan and dominating the Vuelta a Colombia.
However, this report of a potential transfer has quickly been refuted by Ivan Basso, co-manager of EOLO-Kometa, in a conversation with Tuttobiciweb. Basso clarified that López is not part of their plans and that the team never discussed him internally. He emphasised their focus on other significant transfer news to be announced soon. Almost as quickly as the news was reported, it was discredited. Despite López’s proven abilities as a climber and athlete, the allegations and his current suspension cast a shadow on his future in the sport.
