Six months after finishing in 3rd place at the 2018 GFNY Cozumel gran fondo and earning a World Tour pro contract, Mexican rider Luis Villalobos has tested positive for GHRP-6, a growth hormone prohibited by the World Anti Doping Agency. 

This week cycling’s UCI governing body imposed a 4 year competitive ban on the 23 year-old for violating anti-doping rules.

“The Tribunal found the rider guilty of an anti-doping rule violation (presence of GHRP-6) and of ineligibility on the rider,” the UCI said in a statement.

HGRP-6 helps endurance athletes like cyclists build lean muscle mass in a short amount of time while loosing body fat. It reportedly can also lower blood pressure, boost libido, improve sleep, and boost mental well-being. 

Although GFNY tests a few top riders for banned substances, it is unclear if they tested Villalobos for banned substances at their race in November 2018.

The UCI has yet to release detailed reasoning for the 4 year ban, but it is expected to commence on the date of testing, 25 April 2019, and end 25 April 2023.

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