Another coach suspended in Guatemala affair

Another cycling coach has been suspended in the wake of the Vuelta a Guatemala doping affair, which saw nine riders, including the first four on GC, test positive for banned substances. The nine riders and two coaches involved have already been given suspensions, and another coach has been added to that list. Colombian Josué López, who coached the disqualified winner Lizandro Ajcú, has been given a life ban by the disciplinary commission of the Guatemalan cycling federation.

Largely on the basis of Ajcú's evidence, López was found to be the main culprit in administering illegal substances (primarily EPO and testosterone) to riders during last year's race. He has protested his innocence and said he will sue for a million dollars damages. "I knew that they would put all the blame on me," he told the local press. "I am not at fault."