(Q24N) Five Costa Rican cyclists, four currently riding for the same team, have been provisionally suspended by the UCI following tests performed at the Vuelta Kölbi a Costa Rica in December.
Bryan and Rodolfo Villalobos, Paul Betancourt, and Josué Gonzalez all tested positive for Ostarine, a drug that helps cut fat while maintaining lean muscle mass. Rodolfo Villalobos also tested positive for Methylhexaneamine, a stimulant.
All four riders compete for the Pro Continental Coopenae – Extralum team, making up more than one-third of that team’s 11-man roster.
Gonzalez finished third at the race in Costa Rica, Rodolfo Villalobos finished sixth, and Bryan Villalobos finished seventh. Betancourt finished 16th, but won the final stage. Gonzalez is also a two-time national time trial champion, and was second in the Pan American championship road race in 2015. Bryan Villalobos is the reigning Costa Rican road champion.
Nelson Sanchez Solano, 19, tested positive for phentermine, a weight-loss supplement. He was in 56th place overall before dropping out prior to the final stage.
Source: velonews.competitor.com
