4 weeks ago, Astana suddenly terminated the contract of 28-year-old Miguel Angel Lopez.
The Colombian climbing goat was mentioned in July in an investigation into the Spanish doping doctor Marco Maynar. And according to Astana, additional evidence had surfaced, leading the team to fire Lopez.
Team Medellin now throws Lopez a lifeline. In the Colombian continental team he becomes a teammate of 46-year-old Oscar Sevilla, 22 years ago still 2nd in the Tour of Spain.
“I am very grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity,” said Lopez. “After a difficult season, I consider 2023 a transition year.”
Will Lopez be able to ride enough competitions at a high level with the modest Medellin?
“I will open my season in the Tour of San Juan, so I will definitely compete against WorldTour riders.”