From new contract to courtroom: Fernando Gaviria sentenced for drink-driving less than 24 hours after announcing 2026 transfer

The new chapter of Fernando Gaviria’s career has taken an unexpected and deeply uncomfortable turn. Less than 24 hours after Caja Rural - Seguros RGA proudly announced the Colombian sprinter as their marquee signing for 2026, news emerged from Monaco that the 31-year-old had been sentenced to two months' probation following a drink-driving incident that occurred last month.

According to reports in the principality, Gaviria appeared before a Monegasque judge this week, after being stopped by police on the 22nd of October. Officers allegedly detected a blood alcohol level of 2.40 grams, well above the legal limit, after a series of traffic infractions led to the cyclist being pulled over. The incident came just days after the end of what had been another difficult season, one that ultimately closed the door on his spell with Movistar Team.

The timing is striking: on one hand, Caja Rural had just positioned Gaviria as the cornerstone of their sprint project, emphasising both his experience and his potential to rediscover the form that once made him one of the most feared finishers in the world. On the other, this off-bike issue has now overshadowed what was supposed to be the optimistic start of a rebuilding phase.

Only yesterday, the team released Gaviria’s first words in green, reflecting excitement and gratitude for the opportunity: “What motivated me most to join Caja Rural–Seguros RGA was the conversation I had with them, in which I sensed a huge enthusiasm for my arrival. It seemed like a very interesting opportunity and I’m confident I can give my best.”

He also set out sporting ambitions for 2026, including targeting a Grand Tour with the aim of completing the rare trilogy of stage wins across the Tour, Giro and Vuelta. “My aim is to work well, help the team as much as I can and try to win races,” he said. “Riding a Grand Tour would be special and, in the case of the Vuelta a Espana, being able to fight for victories there to complete the set in all three Grand Tours would be really exciting.”

That positivity has now been overshadowed by a legal case that Caja Rural had not referenced at the time of the signing announcement. The team have yet to comment publicly on whether the sentence will impact Gaviria’s preparation or his early-season schedule.

For both rider and team, the 2026 season was already carrying a sense of “last chance” urgency. Gaviria has not won since February 2024 and arrives after being overtaken in the Movistar hierarchy by Orluis Aular. Caja Rural, meanwhile, had built their sprint ambitions around the Colombian and Portuguese teammate Iuri Leitao.

Now, before Gaviria has turned a pedal in his new colours, the story around him has shifted dramatically — from sporting revival to off-road controversy. How both he and Caja Rural manage the fallout will shape whether this move becomes a turning point or another setback in a career that has veered sharply between brilliance and frustration.