Colombian team handed 30-day racing ban following two doping cases in 2025

Colombian outfit Team Medellin-EPM has been handed a 30-day racing ban by the UCI, effective April 2025, following two Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) related to their Biological Passport program. The sanctions stem from cases involving riders Aldemar Reyes and Fabio Duarte, both of whom tested positive for prohibited substances in 2024. This collective punishment means the team will be unable to compete throughout a crucial spring period.

This isn't an isolated incident for Medellin-EPM, nor for Colombian cycling, which has faced persistent scrutiny regarding anti-doping efforts. The UCI's '2-in-12 rule' for team suspensions, designed to hold organisations accountable for their riders' transgressions, has been applied here, reflecting a broader push to deter doping at a team level rather than solely individual athletes. For a team that has previously provided a platform for Nairo Quintana's return, this ban is a significant blow to their competitive aspirations and reputation.

While the individual riders face their own consequences, this collective sanction serves as a stark, if often repeated, reminder that the UCI is willing to enforce its rules. One can only hope the message finally resonates within certain corners of the peloton.