South Florida just might be the epicenter of cycling’s amateur doping problem in America after another Floridian was caught using banned drugs and suspended.

27 year-old Hanncer Valdes, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, tested positive for Stanozolol as the result of a urine sample collected at the Tour of South Florida on 5 February 2022, according to a statement from the United States Anti Doping Agency (USADA). 

Valdes is new to the sport, a first year rookie racer, who made quite a splash when he dominated the winter Miami Prix Series, winning two of his first three races and finishing second in the other.

He continued his winning ways and race domination at the Tour of South Florida in February, where he won three of four stages, the King of the Mountain classification and the overall general classification. Afterwards USADA officials decided to tested Valdes for possible doping.

The test came back positive for Stanozolo, an anabolic man-made steroid that can help an athlete get stronger, build muscle mass, boost acceleration, recover faster from workouts and become more assertive.

Valdes is the second rider to test positive for banned substances at the 2022 Tour of South Florida, Geony Borrego Lee being the first. In addition, two other amateurs, Jeff Martin and Leynier Alonso, were caught doping at the 2020 Tour of South Florida and banned as well.

Valdes’ four-year period of ineligibility started 25 February 2022 and ends 25 February 2026. In addition, Valdes has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to 5 February 2022, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

Photos: Tour of South Florida