Bans for 'fraud' after mechanic poses as cyclist

World cycling's governing body suspended a team for attempting to disguise a mechanic as a professional rider.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced members of Cynisca Cycling had been stood down over the "fraud".

Cynisca had been trying to qualify for the 2023 Argenta Classic when one of the five riders fell ill ahead of the Belgium event.

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The UCI found the team then lied and attempted to cover up the illness by dressing mechanic Moira Barrett as the sick rider so they could continue to compete.

"Several members of the team had participated in a fraud," the UCI said.

"The riders stated to the president of the commissaires' panel that a fifth rider was present but ill.

"Upon being informed by the commissaires that the team could not participate if all five riders did not sign the start sheet and take the start, (sports director) Mr (Danny) Van Haute instructed the team mechanic, Moira Barrett, to wear a rider's clothes and a face mask, to present herself at the start and sign the start sheet as the team's fifth rider."

The commissaires panel president knew the sick rider and determined mechanic Barrett should not have been at the start line.

Team director Van Haute was found to be the main perpetrator and was suspended by the UCI until the end of 2025.

Barrett was suspended from all duties until the start of September this year, while the four non-ill riders were reprimanded but not suspended.