The substance for which Miguel Ángel Lopez was suspended: what is Menotropin and what is it for?

This Wednesday, the International Cycling Union found Colombian cyclist Miguel Ángel López guilty of use and possession of a prohibited substance. Initially, it was rumored that the sanction would be for life, but the court decided that he will be suspended for 4 years

The offense would have been committed during the 2022 Giro d’Italia from which the Colombianmo withdrew for medical reasons. According to a report from the Civil Guard at that time, the problem was inflammation due to the intravenous administration of menotropin.

What is menotropin and what is it for?

The drug, also known as human menpause gonadotropin, is a medication used for the treatment of fertility disorders in women to stimulate the possibility of having children.

Normally, it is administered daily and through injections. But, What does it have to do with cycling and why is it prohibited?

This substance is considered a prohibited substance from the class of peopeptide hormones with releasing factors. Its use, specifically in men, increases the secretion of testicular steroids, increasing levels of testosterone and epitestosterone.

That is, this substance is used by athletes to increase hormonal levels that help you increase your muscle mass which, in the same measure, gives you more strength and endurance in tough tests and disciplines such as cycling or athletics.

The UCI sanction

The sanction imposed by the International Cycling Union on the Colombian begins to count from July 25, 2023so his suspension would end on the same day in 2027. López had no racing presence after abandoning the Tour of Panama last year in the third stage.

Regarding this sanction, the Colombian will now have to defend himself before the Sports Arbitration Court to defend himself and try to prove that he is innocent of what he is accused of.