Race news
Oier Lazkano’s suspension could hand three riders unexpected victories
Spanish rider Oier Lazkano has been provisionally suspended by the UCI after irregularities were detected in his biological passport over multiple seasons. The 25-year-old, who joined Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe at the start of 2025, could lose several of his victories if the suspension is confirmed, reshaping the record books of recent years.
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Cor Vos
Lazkano rose to prominence with Movistar thanks to his attacking racing style and a string of results between 2022 and 2024, including national road race champion, stage wins at the Tour de Wallonie (2022) and Vuelta a Burgos (2023), and podium finishes at Dwars door Vlaanderen and Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne.
The UCI investigation reportedly began shortly after Paris–Roubaix, when anti-doping officers visited Lazkano’s home in Andorra. According to reports in El País, four separate irregularities were identified between 2022 and 2024, all during his time with Movistar.
His last appearance dates back to Paris–Roubaix in April, after which he quietly disappeared from the peloton. News of the UCI’s decision has now clarified his absence, and Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe has since announced the end of their collaboration. The team stated that the findings relate to a period before his arrival, while Movistar also issued a statement distancing itself, noting that all tests during his three seasons with the team returned negative results.
Should a full doping ban follow, three riders are expected to be upgraded to victory status in one-day races:
- Arnaud Démare at Boucles de la Mayenne 2023
- Juan Ayuso at the Spanish National Championships 2023
- Bastien Tronchon at Clásica Jaén 2024
Under UCI regulations, stage wins are not reallocated, meaning Lazkano’s victories at the Tour de Wallonie and Vuelta a Burgos will remain officially vacant.
