Dutchman Antwan Tolhoek sacked with immediate effect from Sabgal- Anicolor for steroid doping

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has officially announced that Dutch cyclist Antwan Tolhoek has been notified of an Adverse Analytical Result for the detection of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS)* in a sample taken during an out-of-competition doping control carried out on November 27, 2023.

Tolhoek was a Lidl-Trek rider at the time, but in the transfer market he opted to sign for Portuguese team Sabgal- Anicolor for one season, saying that "Sometimes you have to know when to take two steps back in order to take one step forward".

The cyclist was due to wear his new team's jersey for the first time last Sunday, February 4, to take part in the "Prova de Abertura", the race that opens the Luso cycling calendar each year. However, today's news hit the Águeda team like a bombshell. The team issued a statement expressing its total surprise at what had happened and announcing that it had decided to terminate the contract with the Dutch rider with immediate effect. The team also clarifies that the signing of Tolhoek's contract took place without it being aware of the whole situation, distancing itself from the athlete's actions.  

In accordance with the UCI's anti-doping regulations, Tolhoek was subject to a provisional suspension, while at the same time being granted the right to request analysis of the B sample to confirm or refute the initial results. The UCI did not provide any further information and refrained from commenting on the case.