Vlad Dascalu ends his suspension and confirms his return with Trek Factory Racing

The Romanian based in Spain, Vlad Dascălu, has officially announced his return to competition after serving the sanction imposed by the UCI in 2024 for accumulating three missed whereabouts in anti-doping controls. The former European XCO champion and former U23 world champion is thus resuming his career in the elite international mountain bike scene and will do so while maintaining his connection with Trek Factory Racing.

End of Vlad Dascălu's suspension: the Romanian returns to XCO with Trek

"I am very happy and relieved to be back with Trek Factory Racing XC. This time away from competition has taught me a lot about the professionalism and resilience that our sport demands. Thanks to everyone who helped me during a difficult period of my life. I will be patient as I try to find my legs again, but I am very excited to return to racing with my incredible teammates," Dascălu posted on his social media.

The suspension, which began in June 2024 and lasted for 17 months, was a result of three unjustified absences in out-of-competition controls, an infringement recorded by the International Testing Agency's whereabouts system. At the time, Trek Factory Racing announced the temporary suspension of the rider's contract "until further notice."

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During this period, however, Dascălu has not been completely disconnected from the American team. On social media, he has been seen training with the team's gear and bikes, an indication that the relationship was still alive. His return now confirms that Trek has decided to continue supporting him and accompany him in this new stage of his career.

Dascălu, who was trained and resides in Spain from a young age, was one of the great revelations of the international XCO scene in recent years. The champion of Europe in 2023 and a regular in the top-10 of the World Cup, he faces 2026 with the goal of regaining his best competitive level and once again establishing himself among the leaders of the global cross-country scene.