Born in 1998 in Poland, Aurela Nerlo had finished second in the recent Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, behind Lotte Claes and ahead of a champion like Demi Vollering, but now the Winspace Orange Seal cyclist has been stopped for doping.

On July 24th, Nerlo was informed of the positive B sample in the anti-doping test, and her team, Winspace Orange Seal, announced the news through social media channels. The Polish cyclist tested positive for Ligandrol, a substance that primarily increases muscle mass.

The team wanted to speak openly, explaining that such practices are absolutely unacceptable and therefore anyone involved with doping in any way is immediately removed.

"This situation is a great disappointment for the team, riders, and entire staff" – Winspace wrote referring to Nerlo's case – "Since the A sample result arrived, it has been a shock for us". Aurela Nerlo has declared herself innocent, suggesting the possibility of unknowingly receiving the substance through dietary supplements or anti-inflammatory treatments for a knee injury, but these excuses certainly do not clear the cyclist of the accusations.

"Our policy is based on zero tolerance towards doping, but also on the belief that every athlete deserves to be heard and supported during such difficult moments. High-level sport requires maximum rigor, but also humanity and respect. We hope that Aurela can shed full light on this issue within the disciplinary procedure that has been initiated".

According to Domestique Cycling media, Nerlo has been provisionally suspended by the Polish Anti-Doping Federation. A disciplinary commission will now decide whether the athlete should be suspended until the end of the process, where she risks a significant sanction.

The 27-year-old Polish cyclist was supposed to participate in the Tour de France Femmes, but the positive A test has ended everything just days before the departure. Aurela Nerlo raced in the World Tour for only one year in 2020. Then in 2022 and 2023, she raced for the Spanish continental team Massi before moving to Winspace. As mentioned, the Polish cyclist had distinguished herself with a surprising second place at this year's Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, when she and Lotte Claes broke away in a long-distance attack. Unfortunately for Nerlo, her adventure in the World Tour and in sports might end in the coming months, but it will be sports justice, at the end of the investigations, that will have to decide on this case.