Fernando Gaviria given suspended sentence for drink-driving at five times the legal limit

The 31-year-old Colombian, who this week signed with Caja Rural after his Movistar exit, appeared in Monaco's correctional court on November 25, 2025, representing himself without legal council for the incident that occurred on October 22.

Police stopped Gaviria at the in Monaco after he failed to yield, crossed a solid line, and drove against oncoming traffic. Court records showed the sprinter had a breath alcohol reading of 1.18 mg/l, equivalent to approximately 2.40 grams per litre of blood - significantly above Monaco's 0.25 mg/l legal limit.

Judge Florestan Bellinzona did not mince words during the hearing. Nice-Matin reports that he told Gaviria: "You were a public danger."  The court noted the 1:15pm timing of the offence made the high alcohol level particularly alarming.

"It was a mistake, and I will not do it again," Gaviria told the court, acknowledging his behaviour was inappropriate for a professional athlete.

Prosecutor Mathias Marchand expressed surprise that a cyclist of Gaviria's calibre - who has won seven stages across Grand Tours in Italy and France - would engage in such reckless behaviour. Marchand highlighted the potential danger to other road users, including cyclists, motorists and pedestrians.

The court accepted the prosecutor's recommendations, sentencing Gaviria to a two-month suspended prison term, a €5,000 fine, and a two-year driving ban in Monaco. He must also pay additional fines related to his traffic violations.

Gaviria's hearing took place on the same day that Caja Rural-Seguros RGA announced that he had signed with the team for 2026 following the end of his spell with Movistar.