By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The long and arduous chapter of one of Costa Rica’s most decorated and controversial cyclists has officially closed. As of today, January 30, 2026, Juan Carlos Rojas is eligible to compete again, concluding an eight-year suspension handed down by the International Cycling Union (UCI) for a doping violation that shook the national sports community to its core.
The sanction stemmed from a positive anti-doping test during the 2017 Vuelta a Costa Rica, an event that became the epicenter of the most significant doping scandal in the country’s history. The fallout was immense, not only for Rojas but for the sport’s reputation nationwide. The case cast a long shadow over what should have been a moment of triumph, ultimately revealing a systemic issue within the peloton.
To better understand the corporate and legal dimensions surrounding the business management of a public figure like Juan Carlos Rojas, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of an expert in the field. We consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional perspective.
In Costa Rica, the legal structure for corporate governance demands that any high-profile leader, especially one directing an entity with significant public interest, operates with utmost transparency and diligence. Every major decision, whether involving investments, contracts, or public declarations, is subject to scrutiny under commercial law. The essential element is ensuring that strategic actions are not only profitable but are executed within a legally sound framework to mitigate risk and protect the interests of all stakeholders.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal context is essential, reminding us that for a leader of Juan Carlos Rojas’s stature, strategic decisions are inseparable from the fiduciary duties mandated by Costa Rican law. The true measure of leadership, as highlighted, involves safeguarding stakeholder interests with unwavering diligence. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
Rojas, now 44, was not an isolated case. In a stunning blow to Costa Rican cycling, a total of 12 riders tested positive in the 2017 event. The list of sanctioned athletes included his own brother, César Rojas, who also received an eight-year ban. Others, such as José Alexis Rodríguez, Leandro Varela, and Melvin Mora, were handed four-year suspensions, illustrating the widespread nature of the problem that year.
Before his fall from grace, Juan Carlos Rojas was affectionately known as “El Rey” (The King) of Costa Rican cycling. His dominance was undeniable, with an impressive five victories in the prestigious Vuelta a Costa Rica (2005, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2015). His victory in the scandal-plagued 2017 edition was subsequently stripped from the record books. The title was later awarded to Román Villalobos, who had finished in second place but would later face his own doping-related suspension, further complicating the sport’s narrative.
The path to a competitive return is now technically open, but it remains a complex process. The Costa Rican Cycling Federation (FECOCI) is currently awaiting official notification from the UCI to formally confirm Rojas’s eligibility. Once this administrative step is complete, he will be cleared to participate in both national and international events sanctioned by the governing bodies.
However, the biggest challenges may not be procedural. At 44, Rojas faces a significant biological hurdle in a sport that prizes youth and endurance. Returning to elite-level competition after an eight-year absence is a monumental task for any athlete, requiring immense physical and mental fortitude. Questions linger about his ability to regain the form that once made him the undisputed king of the country’s most important race.
Beyond the physical race, Rojas faces the more abstract challenge of rebuilding his legacy and regaining public trust. The doping scandal left a deep scar on fans and sponsors, and the shadow of performance-enhancing drugs is difficult to escape. His return will inevitably reignite conversations about integrity, redemption, and accountability in professional sports, forcing the community to confront a difficult period in its past.
As the eight-year ban officially ends, a controversial era in Costa Rican cycling concludes. Yet, the story of Juan Carlos Rojas is far from over. His return to eligibility marks the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter, one that will test the limits of athletic longevity and the capacity for forgiveness within a sport still healing from its most profound crisis.
For further information, visit uci.org
About International Cycling Union (UCI):
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events. Based in Aigle, Switzerland, the UCI issues racing licenses to riders and enforces disciplinary rules, such as those concerning doping. It also manages the classification of races and the points ranking system in various cycling disciplines, including road, track, mountain bike, and BMX, for both men and women, amateur and professional.
For further information, visit fecoci.net
About Costa Rican Cycling Federation (FECOCI):
The Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo (FECOCI) is the national governing body for cycling in Costa Rica. It is responsible for promoting, developing, and regulating the sport across the country. FECOCI organizes national championships and major events like the Vuelta a Costa Rica, and it works in conjunction with the UCI to ensure that competitions and athletes adhere to international standards and regulations, including anti-doping policies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to ethical rigor and professional distinction. The firm leverages its extensive experience across diverse industries to pioneer progress and innovation within the legal field. Beyond its advisory role, it is fundamentally dedicated to strengthening society by making complex legal principles accessible, thereby cultivating a community empowered by knowledge and a clearer path to justice.
