"I want to make something absolutely clear: I have never used doping substances or prohibited methods": Oier Lazkano defends his innocence

The Oier Lazkano case continues to add chapters. After it was announced last Thursday that he was provisionally suspended by the UCI due to alleged anomalies in his Athlete Biological Passport, the Alava cyclist published a public statement this Sunday proclaiming his innocence and asserting that he has never resorted to doping practices.

Oier Lazkano defends himself

The UCI officially communicated on October 30 the opening of a procedure against the cyclist, who is currently without a team after being dismissed by Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe, where he had arrived at the beginning of 2025 with a contract worth 1.5 million euros per year. "I have never used doping substances or prohibited methods"

In his statement, Lazkano begins by explaining that on October 30 he received the official notification from the international body and leaves a strong declaration: "On October 30, 2025, I received an official communication from the International Cycling Union (UCI). I want to make something absolutely clear: I have never used doping substances or prohibited methods."

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Next, the cyclist emphasizes the values on which he has built his career: "I have always respected the rules of cycling and the fundamental values of clean sport. My career, built with effort and dedication, is based on honesty, integrity, and daily work," said the Alava native, who adds: "I am a clean athlete and an integral person."

Lazkano, 25 years old, asserts that he will defend his reputation and innocence to the fullest: "I will defend my reputation and do everything necessary to prove my total innocence and my complete detachment from any illicit conduct."

In that same vein, he confirmed that he has instructed his legal and medical team to act to clarify the situation: "I have instructed my medical-legal team to take all necessary actions to protect my rights and demonstrate my integrity, fully respecting the established procedures. I trust in the truth and in sports justice."

Finally, the cyclist expresses gratitude for the support received and concludes with a firm message: "I will continue, with determination and transparency, defending my name and my professional dignity."

On Friday, it was reported that Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe had decided to definitively remove him from the team, even taking down his profile from the official website. According to the German team's own statement, the investigation opened by the UCI affects the period 2022–2024, that is, the years in which Lazkano was part of the Movistar Team.

For its part, Abarca Sports, the management company of the Movistar Team, also issued a statement denying any prior knowledge of the investigation and defending the transparency of its structure: "We were not aware of the situation until the afternoon of October 30. During the three seasons of contractual relationship out of the five referred to in the UCI's study, all tests he underwent returned negative results," clarified the statement.