Isidro Nozal Vega (born 18 October 1977) is a Spanish former professional road racing cyclist. Nozal was runner-up in the 2003 Vuelta a España and an instrumental domestique in Roberto Heras' 2004 Vuelta a España win.
Doping
In 2005, Vega was suspended for two weeks after being tested with a hematocrit level above 50 before the start of Dauphine Libere. In 2006, he was initially implicated in the Operación Puerto doping case, but was cleared of any wrongdoing by Spanish officials. He later admitted his involvement, saying he did three blood transfusions with Fuentes in the season before the 2005 Dauphine Libere, but denying he doped. For the 2008 and 2009 seasons Nozal rode for the Portuguese Pro Continental team of Liberty Seguros. In September 2009 Nozal and two teammates (Nuno Ribeiro and Héctor Guerra) were announced to have tested positive for EPO-CERA in samples taken for the previous month's Tour of Portugal. Liberty Seguros immediately announced that it would cease sponsorship of the team and its participation in cycling. Ribeiro's win was withdrawn and the second-placed rider, Spain's David Blanco, was elevated to the overall win. Nozal, Ribeiro, and Guerra all received two-year suspensions from cycling.
Career achievements
Major results
2001
6th Overall Vuelta Ciclista a la Rioja
2002
1st Stage 3 Clasica de Alcobendas
1st Stage 3 Vuelta a Burgos
4th Overall Vuelta a Castilla y León
7th Overall Deutschland Tour
2003
2nd Overall Vuelta a España
1st Stage 6 (ITT) & 13 (ITT) Held after Stages 4–19 4th Time trial, UCI Road World Championships 6th Overall Deutschland Tour 2004 7th Overall Vuelta a España 10th Subida al Naranco