The Kazakh racing team Astana has announced the split with the Colombian professional cyclist Miguel Angel Lopez because of his connection to a controversial doctor. The team said they had no choice but to terminate the contract with immediate effect.
The racing team has received new evidence that Lopez is connected to the controversial doctor Marcos Maynar. The Spaniard was arrested on May 11 for drug trafficking and money laundering and had denied the allegations at the time. He is accused of dealing in doping substances.
Professional cyclist Lopez was suspended in July after being questioned and searched by police at Madrid airport. He then walked free again.
Lopez is considered a climbing specialist and a good tour driver. In 2018 he finished third overall in the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta, and two years ago he finished sixth in the Tour de France. He re-signed for the Kazakh team last year after having worked there between 2015-2020.