On Monday, the governing body of women’s cycling in the US punished Cynisca’s team for attempting to participate in a race by deceiving the organizers.

The UCI stated that Cynisca had a team of only four riders who were fit for the Argenta Classic in Belgium last year. However, the event required a team of five riders. The UCI accused Cynisca of attempting to mislead the Commissaires’ Panel by pretending that a fifth rider was present and able to compete.

Initially, the other cyclists on the team were dishonest about the location of the fifth rider, who was reportedly sick. When this tactic failed, the UCI claims that the team’s sporting director, Danny Van Haute, instructed a mechanic from Cynisca to pose as the fifth rider and wear a mask to conceal their true identity when signing up for the race.

The UCI stated on Monday that after being informed by the Commissaires, the team was unable to participate unless all five riders signed the start sheet and began the race. In response, Mr. Van Haute directed the team mechanic, Moira Barrett, to wear a rider’s attire and a face mask, and to represent the team as the fifth rider by signing the start sheet at the start line.

According to the UCI, the Cynisca team, its staff, and riders were all found to be involved in fraudulent activities.

The UCI stated that “Van Haute was identified as the primary offender” and has suspended the experienced American official from participating in the sport until the conclusion of 2025. Barrett’s ban will last until August 2024.

According to the decision, Cynisca was penalized with an undisclosed sum and barred from participating in its upcoming international race.

Cynisca received sanctions the day after Lauren Stephens, its rider, won the one-day Clasica de Almeria in Spain.

The team and its staff have the option to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Source: theguardian.com