Contador’s team hit hard: rider provisionally suspended for doping as team account is hacked

It was spotted on Monday by La Flamme Rouge, who flagged the strange situation surrounding the team’s X profile. The name had apparently been changed to “Carolyn Palmer” and the handle to “@0xRogueAlpha”, with the account filled with cryptocurrency promotions. Tom Dumoulin’s X account was reportedly hacked in a similar way, too.

So there came another layer on top of that from the UCI on Tuesday. In a press release, the international cycling union announced that 24-year-old Germán Darío Gómez Becerra has been provisionally suspended. 'The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announces that Colombian rider Germán Darío Gómez Becerra has been notified of an Adverse Analytical Finding for Boldenone and one of its metabolites* in a sample collected out-of-competition on 28 December 2025.'

Continue reading below the photo!

The governing body also added further explanation about the substance involved. “Boldenone and its metabolites are prohibited substances listed under class S1.1 [Anabolic Androgenic Steroids] of the 2025 Prohibited List.”

“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.” “The UCI will not comment further while the proceedings are ongoing.” Gómez has been riding for the Italian squad since 2024. The climber from Betulia finished sixth overall in the Tour of Turkey last year — a race won by Wout Poels. Later on Tuesday afternoon, Polti VisitMalta also issued its own response, removing the Colombian from the team.

“At Team Polti VisitMalta, we operate under a strict zero-tolerance policy towards doping.” “This principle is a non-negotiable foundation of our project and is clearly stipulated in all our contracts and in our Code of Conduct.” “In adherence to this policy and the UCI’s decision, we have also suspended the rider’s contract.” “He will be excluded from all team activities pending the resolution of the proceedings.”

The team added: “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to clean cycling and will continue to cooperate fully with the UCI and all competent authorities to clarify the facts.” “Our team will always uphold the values of fair play and integrity in the sport.”