Top Cyclist Held Against His Will in California, Robbed of More Than Half a Million Pounds

Published 09/24/2023, 1:26 PM EDT

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A sinister plot unfolded in the serene landscapes of Colombia that has shocked the world. The incident has sent chills down the spine of the cycling community. One of the icons of the cycling circuit found himself stuck in a harrowing experience that transcended the realm of sport.

This shocking incident was more than just a traumatic experience. It was a high-stakes heist that left no stone unturned. Let’s delve into the gripping saga that has cast a shadow over the cyclist’s life and career.

Dark Twist in the Life of Miguel Ángel López

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Miguel Ángel López has been a well-celebrated figure in the global cycling arena. He faced an alarming detour not on a mountainous cycling route but near his very doorstep.

Last Thursday evening, as the sun sank beneath the horizon, López’s life took an unanticipated turn. He was approaching his rural farm in Pesca. Little did López know that he would be thrust into a nerve-wrenching situation. He spent a few more hours at his family home than planned. While returning, masked assailants descended upon him at his doorstep. He was kidnapped and they robbed about half a million pounds from him.

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The 29-year-old cyclist reported to the local police station to file a report against the kidnappers. López reported the loss of his beloved Ford truck and a prized mobile phone. A staggering amount of £653,000 was stolen from him by the audacious criminals.

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

López’s Cycling Odyssey

López was formerly associated with Movistar, Astana, and Medellín cycling teams.

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López got suspended a few months back by the sport’s governing body, the UCI, due to a potential anti-doping rule violation. This led to an even more unpredictable turn in López’s professional life in July this year. 

Before his career was put on hold, he rode for Astana for five years, starting from 2015 to 2020. In 2020, he also seized the stage for the Tour de France. 

In the years 2018 and 2019, he has been a part of the Young rider classification at the Giro d’Italia.

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This incident of robbery and kidnapping has unfolded like a heart-pounding narrative of a Hollywood thriller movie. What are your views regarding this spine-chilling incident? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

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Written by:

Disita Sikdar

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Disita Sikdar is a Viral Sports Moments writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed her bachelor's degree in English from Bhawanipur Education Society College affiliated under the University of Calcutta, she will soon be stepping towards pursuing her masters in English. She has experience working as a content creator and social media manager previously.
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Edited by:

Priyadarshini Ajay