A rider who garnered widespread sympathy when he was left in tears by the roadside at the junior Worlds road race in Harrogate back in 2019, as all of the team cars passed him, is now all grown up. And has just been suspended as part of an anti doping case.
Germán Darío Gómez now aged 24 years and with Team Polti VisitMalta has been provisionally suspended by the UCI, which confirmed the action on Tuesday.
It said in a statement the rider had been suspended following an "adverse analytical finding for boldenone and one of its metabolites in a sample collected out-of-competition" on December 28th last.
"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'," it added. "The UCI will not comment further while the proceedings are ongoing."
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Boldenone is an anabolic androgenic steroid and synthetic derivative of testosterone that was originally developed for veterinary use, often for horses, including to dope them in competition.
The US Anti Doping Agency (USADA) has said in the past - in remarks unrelated to this latest inquiry - boldenone is "nearly identical to testosterone" and could be used to "increase muscle mass and strength".
'That's heartbreaking! Help the poor guy out!' ?
Colombia's German Dario Gomez Becerra in tears after being left at the side of the road... #Yorkshire2019 pic.twitter.com/Mt2mR39RGx
— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) September 26, 2019
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When issuing a general warning to athletes about the drug in the past, USADA has also said there is no therapeutic or medical use for boldenone in humans. It also pointed out boldenone is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in humans for any reason.
Gómez, who won the Colombian U23 TT race title three years ago and is a former Pan American junior TT champion, has issued a lengthy statement, insisting he is innocent. He said taking performance enhancing drugs is contrary to his character and the way he lives his life, vowing to fight the case and clear his name.
He said on the day the UCI said the adverse test took place, December 28th, while he was recovering from clavicle surgery, he underwent a routine check-up. He had been told today, one month later, he had returned an adverse test result.
The substance he is now accused of having in his system is, in his own words, "used in livestock farming to improve physical performance and increase the weight and muscle mass of animals".
"Cycling has given me everything; it has been the pillar and bastion of my life. That is why I have never considered resorting to unethical practices to gain an advantage. It has never been, nor will it ever be, a way to achieve a goal," he added in his statement.
"Today may be the most difficult day of my sporting life, but amidst the shock and uncertainty of a result that does not align with my philosophy as a high-performance athlete, I can only assure you that my conduct, both on and off the track, has always been transparent and exemplary.
"Throughout my career, all my achievements and joys have been the product of the discipline, perseverance, and effort demanded by a sport I deeply respect.
"From this moment forward, I will begin the necessary legal process to prove my innocence, clear my name, and continue my sporting career. I will do everything within my power to guarantee my right to a fair defence, just as other colleagues involved in similar cases have done.
"To my team, Team Polti Visit Malta, I express my gratitude for their trust and support over these years. I deeply regret the situation we are facing, but I want to reiterate my commitment to fair play, a philosophy instilled in me and which has guided me throughout my career.
"I have always acted with integrity and honesty in my life. I will continue working with the desire to resolve this impasse and return stronger as soon as possible."
