Miguel Ángel López kidnapped and robbed

Miguel Ángel López, formerly of Astana and Movistar Team, was kidnapped and robbed on Thursday, with the Colombian cyclist held for several hours against his will.

According to several reports three culprits approached López near his farm in Pesca, Boyacá in Colombia before holding him against his will at his family home.

López was eventually freed and made his way to the local police in order to file a criminal report.

Colombian media report that the incident took place on Thursday, September 21 at around 5pm local time.

“They detained him and stole his Ford truck, a cell phone and $800,000 [$200 USD] Around 10:30 at night, López approached the Sogamoso police station and filed a complaint,” stated Colonel María Margarita Mantilla.

The 29-year-old's racing career is currently on hold after he was suspended by the sport's governing body, the UCI, in July due to a "potential anti-doping rule violation (ADRV)".

Before his suspension in July, López was able to pick up a number of wins in the first half of the year as part of the Team Medellín - EPM squad. He won the Vuelta a San Juan in January, the Vuelta a Colombia, a stage in the Tour of the Gila and several other victories.