The American women's cycling team Siniska has been suspended by the sport's governing body for “misconduct'' in which they disguised the team's mechanics as riders to avoid disqualification from the race.
Siniska was one rider short of qualifying for the Belgium Argenta Classic in July 2023. The team's sporting director, Danny Van Ort, instructed the team to mislead race officials and “lie about the whereabouts of the fifth rider,” the International Cycling Federation said. This was announced in a statement on Monday.
The UCI said riders Anna Hicks, Carla O'Neill, Katherine Sarkisov and Claire Windsor told officials that the last rider had taken part but was too unwell to take part. However, officials still required all five riders to sign the start sheet and be present at the start of the race in order to participate in the event.
According to the UCI, Van Hout then told team mechanic Moira Barrett that he would put on “rider's clothing and a face mask” and “appear at the start and sign the start sheet as the team's fifth rider.” He is said to have instructed him to do so.
“All of the above team members were therefore found to have engaged in misconduct at various levels under Article 12.4.008 of the UCI Regulations,” the UCI said.
Siniska said other management and staff were unaware of the attempted fraud. The team then “terminated all current and future relationships” with Van Ort and Barrett.
“Cynisca Cycling understands the need for disciplinary action by the UCI. The team has never and will not tolerate this type of behavior. This was a one-off mistake by an unscrupulous coach. '' the cycling team said in a statement to NBC News.
“We would like to once again apologize to the event organizers for the behavior that occurred at the event. The team looks forward to continuing our mission to advance more women in cycling,” added Siniska.
The UCI identified Van Hout as the “principal culprit” in the deception. He was suspended from all cycling activities until December 31, 2025 and was also fined.
Barrett was suspended until September 1, 2024 for “playing an active role in fraud.” Four riders received disciplinary action.
Siniska Cycling was expelled from the next race on the UCI international calendar and fined an unspecified amount.
