Retired Colombian cycling star Luis "Lucho" Herrera has denied allegations made by former paramilitary fighters implicating him in the murders of four farmers near his farm over two decades ago.

The 1987 Vuelta a España winner was named by two ex-paramilitaries who claim Herrera conspired with them in 2002 to kill neighbors of one of his properties in central Colombia, according to a report by Noticias UNO.

Herrera Denies Involvement And Offers Cooperation

The 63-year-old issued a statement Monday strongly denying the claims. "I have never belonged to criminal organizations nor have I ever intended to cause harm to anyone," Herrera said.

One of his accusers was recently sentenced to 22 years and six months in prison for the forced disappearance of the farmers. He alleges Herrera identified the victims as alleged leftist guerrilla members in an attempt to seize their land amid conflict between guerrillas and right-wing paramilitaries.

Investigators will begin searching for the bodies this week, according to a source from the prosecutor's office who spoke with AFP.

National Hero Rejects Accusations As Attempt To Damage Reputation

Herrera emphasized he is not under formal investigation and called the accusations an effort to tarnish his legacy. He said he has been a victim of extortion, threats, and kidnapping over the years — all of which he reported to authorities. He has pledged full cooperation with investigators.

Herrera was kidnapped in 2000 by the FARC guerrilla group, which later disarmed following a 2017 peace agreement with the Colombian government.

Known as "the little gardener of Fusagasugá," Herrera rose to fame in the 1980s for his climbing prowess and muscular endurance, honed by years of manual labor. His 1987 Vuelta win made him a national hero, and he retired in 1995 to manage his farm near his hometown.