Latest anti-doping news from around the world:

Yesterday the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced Portuguese development Team APHotels & Resorts-Tavira-SC Farense has been suspended from competition until 11 November 2025, in accordance with Article 11.3 of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules – multiple alleged violations within a 12 month period.

Article 11.3.1 indicates that if two riders or other persons on a team receive notice of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) within a 12 month period the entire team shall be suspended from competition.

On 7 November 2024, Team APHotels & Resorts-Tavira-SC Farense rider Venceslau Fernandes, 29, was preliminarily suspended after the National Anti-Doping Agency of Portugal (ADoP) discovered an ADRV due to unexplained abnormalities in his 2023 Biological Passport data. Fernandes was considered a star recruit for the team after winning the U23 Volta a Portugal do Futuro.

Then on 22 July 2025, rider Delio Fernandez, the 39 year-old team leader and mentor, was provisionally suspended by the UCI for alleged “Use of Prohibited Methods and/or Prohibited Substances” associated with his Biological Passport data in 2023. Prior to preliminary suspension the team and Fernandez announced his retirement.

UCI and ADoP Anti-doping court cases for both riders are ongoing, with final outcomes pending.

AP Hotels & Resorts-Tavira-SC Farense, is a pro-am development team of 20-something year olds that is part of Clube Ciclismo Tavira in Portugal.

In a press release the team states they may take legal action, “If violations are confirmed against the two former athletes during their time with our team, the Tavira Cycling Club will take legal action against them.”

Photo Credit: stock

© 2019-2025 All Rights Reserved Gran Fondo Daily