Miguel Angel Lopez will race in 2023 as part of Team Medellín EPM, a Colombian continental team, after being fired by Astana-Kazakhstan.

Lopez was provisionally suspended by Astana in the summer, but the team reinstated him before the Vuelta a España for lack of evidence. The Colombian then finished fourth overall in the Vuelta, but was dismissed by Astana in December.

In recent days, Lopez had been rumored to be moving to Team Medellín EPM, and the team confirmed his arrival on Sunday. His new teammate is 46-year-old Oscar Sevilla, and Lopez has indicated that he will make his team debut at this month's Vuelta a San Juan.

"I want to thank Team Medellín for their trust in giving me this great opportunity," López said in a video released by the team (opens in new tab).

In a rather understated way, López added, "It has been a complicated year." After his dismissal from Astana, the 28-year-old issued a statement rejecting "any allegations that could damage my name and honor as a professional player," but no suitors appeared at the world tour or professional team level.

"There wasn't much time left until 2023, and the teams were so full that there were almost no teams available," Lopez said, describing the 2023 season as a "transitional period."

"This team gives me confidence and I believe it gives me a great chance to compete in the 2023 race of the year."

After Lopez's dismissal, Astana manager Alexandre Vinokurov told Cycling News that the team had no option but to part ways with the player.

"We gave him one chance before the Vuelta, but we can't screw around. It was obvious to everyone and we have to respect that."

Maynar is currently under investigation by Spanish police as part of an investigation into a widespread doping ring that allegedly worked with cyclists, swimmers, and soccer players at the University of Extremadura's sports science department.