Miguel Angel Lopez’s contract with Astana terminated due to ‘probable connection with Dr Marcos Maynar’

Miguel Angel Lopez’s contract with Astana Qazaqstan Team has been terminated.

The team said in a statement they had “discovered new elements showing Miguel Angel Lopez’s probable connection with Dr Marcos Maynar”.

Maynar was arrested in May over allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering.

He finished fourth at the 2022 Vuelta a Espana and rode several other races.

However, he has now been released by Astana Qazaqstan Team.

“The team had no other solution than to end the contract between team and rider, based on breaches of said contract and internal team rules, with immediate effect,” the team added in their statement.

“To preserve the rights of the team and the rider no further comments will be made.”

Lopez, 28, has won stages at the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana. He also finished in third place at the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta in 2018.

Lopez said in a statement on social media: “It has been reported to the media today the decision of Astana Qazaqstan Team to terminate the contract between the rider Miguel Angel Lopez and the team. This contract had been extended in November 2022, for the season 2023.

“The rider hereby informs that he considers such decision with no cause, and that there are no new facts which could justify such decision, not known or reported before November 2022 by Astana Team. The rider rejects any allegations that could damage his name and honour as a professional rider, and reminds that he has never tested positive for any drugs or doping, nor has he been investigated by any authority.

“Mr Miguel Angel Lopez hereby informs that he will defend his rights before the corresponding courts, in a case which he understands as a clear case of abusive termination without just cause.”