Spanish cyclist Oier Lazkano has been provisionally suspended by the International Cycling Union (UCI) due to unexplained anomalies in his biological passport, bringing an end to months of speculation surrounding his sudden disappearance from the sport.
The UCI announced the suspension today. It stems from issues identified in his passport data across 2022, 2023, and 2024. During these periods, Lazkano raced for Movistar.
Lazkano, 25, had joined Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe for the current season. He last competed on April 13 at Paris-Roubaix, where he finished 117th.
His abrupt absence fueled widespread rumors within the cycling world. The rider even deleted his social media accounts.
The UCI issued a brief statement confirming the provisional ban. It added that it would offer no further comment while the disciplinary process is underway.
This marks the second doping-related case involving riders previously associated with Movistar announced by the UCI in two days.
On Tuesday, the UCI announced a 20-month suspension for Brazilian cyclist Vinícius Rangel. Rangel, also formerly of Movistar, was banned due to three “whereabouts failures” within a year.
The biological passport system monitors specific biological parameters. It uses blood and urine samples to indirectly detect the effects of prohibited substances or methods.
Lazkano had been a rising star in professional cycling. He notably won the Clásica de Jaén earlier in 2024 and became Spanish national road champion in 2023.
His combative riding style earned him a transfer to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. However, his tenure with the German team saw him complete only 11 days of competition before his April disappearance.