The UCI has expelled Spanish coach Eleuterio Anguita Hinojosas from the 2026 World Cycling Championships in Montreal, Canada. The Spaniard created a wild scene during Friday’s junior men’s road race by racing around the course like a man possessed.
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On Friday evening (Dutch time), Spain claimed the world title in the junior men’s category with Benjamin Noval, who had already won the individual time trial in his age group earlier in this World Championship. However, it wasn’t all joy for Spain afterward.
Anguita no longer needs to appear in an official capacity at the World Championships, following footage that emerged from the road race. In the footage, we saw a team car literally fly past on the course, likely in an attempt to catch up with Noval, who had fallen behind.
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The spectators lining the track were clearly terrified when the car sped past at an insane speed and, due to a low speed bump, even briefly went completely off the road with all four wheels. The track in Montreal is closed, but of course there’s no excuse for that kind of driving.
The reckless behavior resulted in a fine of 1,060 euros for the Spanish Cycling Federation through Anguita, but more importantly, he is no longer allowed to work at the World Championships. That’s not really necessary anymore, though, since the Spaniard is the coach of the junior team—and they’ve already finished their competition at the World Championships.
What remains are the images that witnesses describe as "terrifying."
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Video: Reckless driving at the 2026 cycling World Championships
Noval wins the Junior road race with explosive attack
Benjamin Noval, 17, added the 2026 World Junior Men’s Road Race title to his World Time Trial crown, underscoring his versatility and emerging reputation as a top future climber.
After early breakaways, Noval thinned the peloton with a long-range move, then launched repeated attacks. He ultimately broke clear just before the final laps, resisting attempts from Simon Defrance and others, and soloed to victory with a growing lead over the chasers, including the French duo Gayant and Defrance.
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This marked his 18th win of 2026 and follows 22 victories the previous year; he is set to join Netcompany INEOS in 2027.
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David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.