spanish cyclist Oier lazkano has been provisionally suspended by the UCI, cycling’s governing body, following the discovery of unexplained abnormal blood values during his tenure with Movistar from 2022 to 2024. the suspension, effective promptly, casts a shadow over the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider’s career and raises questions about potential anti-doping rule violations.
The suspension comes after Lazkano,25,has not competed since Paris-Roubaix,sparking speculation within the cycling community.If Lazkano is unable to provide a satisfactory description for the anomalous results, he faces a potential permanent ban from the sport, jeopardizing his contract with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and his burgeoning reputation as a promising Flandrien.
Lazkano emerged as a notable talent in 2023 with a surprising second-place finish at Dwars door Vlaanderen, demonstrating an ability to contend with top riders. He further solidified his potential by winning the Spanish national road race championship later that year and achieving a ninth-place overall finish in the 2024 Dauphiné, proving his capabilities in mountainous terrain despite his larger physique.
Red Bull-bora-Hansgrohe signed Lazkano to a three-year contract based on these performances, but his appearances became increasingly infrequent following Paris-Roubaix.The UCI’s investigation centers on blood parameters recorded during his time with Movistar, and the team and rider now face the challenge of addressing the concerns raised by the governing body.
