Polti rider Germán Gómez suspended after positive test

Team Polti-VisitMalta rider Germán Gómez has tested positive for the anabolic steroid Boldenone in an out-of-competition control on December 28. The UCI announced on Tuesday that the Colombian has been provisionally suspended pending the analysis of his B sample.

“The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announces that Colombian rider Germán Darío Gómez Becerra has been notified of an Adverse Analytical Finding for Boldenone and one of its metabolites in a sample collected out-of-competition on 28 December 2025,” read the statement from the UCI.

“In accordance with the UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended. He has the right to request the analysis of the B sample.”

Polti VisitMalta confirmed on Monday that it has also provisionally suspended Gómez and halted his contract with immediate effect, stating that he will be removed from all activities related to the team while the case is resolved. The Italian squad said the decision was taken in line with the UCI’s mandatory provisional suspension and its own internal policy, stressing a “zero tolerance” approach to doping that is set out in rider contracts and the team’s Code of Conduct. 

“Our commitment to clean cycling and the integrity of the sport is non negotiable,” Polti VisitMalta said, adding that it will cooperate fully with the UCI and the relevant authorities as the procedure continues.

Boldenone is an anabolic androgenic steroid and synthetic derivative of testosterone that was originally developed for veterinary use. According to a USADA fact sheet, it has a chemical structure that is “nearly identical to testosterone” and can “stimulate protein synthesis and the release of erythropoietin in the kidneys,” as well as helping to build body mass.

Gómez turned professional with Polti in 2024 after racing with the GW Shimano Continental squad in Colombia. He placed fourth overall at the Giro Next Gen in 2023, while his best result as a pro was sixth overall at last year’s Tour of Turkey. Gómez signed a one-year contract extension with the team in October.

Polti have received a wildcard place to the Giro d’Italia for each of the past five years, but RCS Sport has not yet announced its invitations for the 2026 race, which gets under way on May 8.

Earlier this week, Cyclingnews and La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the team, which is owned by Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso, is close to securing private equity investment to guarantee its longer-term future.