The former sports director of a Belgian women’s cycling team is suspended for five years after several runners accused him conveys “inappropriate behavior of a psychological and sexual nature”.
“Gert Vervoort facing charges related to sexual abuse, sexual harassment and protection of physical and mental integrity“said the International Cycling Union (UCI) when announcing the verdicts of its independent ethics commission.
It was Vervoort director of the Belgian second division team Proximus-Cyclis, today Team Velopro–Alphamotorhomeswhen the alleged misconduct began in 2023. The charges were deemed proven “inappropriate behavior to female cyclists involved in unnecessary physical contact of a sexual nature, taking advantage of his position of authority over them“, declared the UCI.
Vervoort later resigned and the UCI said his five-year disqualification would begin as long as “assume a position or participate in activities” within the cycling jurisdiction.
He team manager Belgian Eddy van Bunder is disabled for 18 months, and fined 5,000 Swiss francs ($5,500), for breach of your obligation to report misconductnegligence and protection of physical and mental integrity. Another 18-month penalty was suspended for a three-year probationary period, according to the UCI.
It should be Van Bunder attend a cyclist protection training course before returning to competition in July 2026. The UCI said it “reaffirms unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of cycling and ensure a safe environment for all.
Source: La Verdad
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